Last night, the Morongo Valley Unified District Board of Trustees held their regular 6PM meeting at Joshua Tree Elementary.
In the wake of former Board President Kathy Nelson’s resignation at last month’s meeting, MUSD Trustees voted Robert Hamilton in as the new President. Since Hamilton was the former Clerk of the Board, Trustees then voted in Kerri Condley as the new Clerk. This reorganization of the Board currently leaves a vacant seat. Attorney Todd Robins, from MUSD’s legal counsel, explained the Board could either appoint a new Trustee to fill the vacant seat, or hold a costly general election. Because Nelson resigned on September 30th, the Board will have 60 days to fill the seat. Superintendent Dr. Vargas confirmed the Board will be holding the new Board of Trustee appointment on November 1st after two weeks of spreading word. While absent from the meeting, former President Nelson was recognized by the Board with a Certificate of Appreciation for her longtime service.
Robin Hernandez, a representative from No Kid Hungry, recognized Yucca Mesa Superintendent Sharon Flores and principal Sally Stevens for ensuring their students have nutritious breakfasts to start their days.
Assistant Superintendent Amy Woods and 29 Palms High Principal Michael Ruggiero recognized eight 29 Palms High juniors for National College Board Honors, including Joshua Corrado, who was named Commended Student in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program.
District Testing and Assessment Coordinator Jennifer Beasley, along with four other MUSD faculty who rose for public comment, continued to voice discontent for inequitable pay and overcrowded classrooms. Margot Gibert, both a teacher and student parent, read Dr. Vargas’s introductory letter to parents out loud, challenging his claims MUSD is “creating a culture to thrive” in contrast with the embattled salaries, “bulging” classes, and continued disconnect between the Board and staff.
