The Menifee Union School District appointed Dr. Gary Rutherford as Interim Superintendent during the June 9^th meeting.

Dr. Gary Rutherford has enjoyed a prolific career in public education that spans over 40 years. Prior to being named Interim Superintendent of Menifee Union School District, Dr. Rutherford served as Superintendent of Desert Sands Unified School District (retired in 2016), Upland Unified School District, and Huntington Beach City School District. His extensive experience also includes successful Assistant Superintendent, teaching and site administrator assignments at the elementary, middle and high school grade levels.

In 2014, Dr. Rutherford was honored to be named California Superintendent of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators, and was a finalist in the American Association of School Administrators National Superintendent of the Year recognition program.

Dr. Rutherford has been influential in the development of emerging school leaders as an adjunct professor for California State University-Long Beach, Whittier College, University of La Verne and Brandman University.  An active and involved member of the Association of California School Administrators, he has served on a number of committees and task forces, including: Aspiring Principal workshops, Planning Committee for the Superintendents Symposium, Strategic Planning Task Force, Personnel Institute, Leading the Leaders New Superintendent Program, and the Superintendency Council.

Dr. Rutherford earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Pepperdine University, a Master of Arts from California State University-Los Angeles, and a Doctoral degree in Organizational Management from the University of La Verne.  

The Governing Board and Dr. Rutherford are delighted to have the opportunity to work together to continue to meet the needs of MUSD and the entire school community.