New middle school to be named after Kathryn Newport

By Doug Spoon, Editor

After a lengthy selection process by the naming committee and discussion of the two top candidates among board members, a decision was made on Tuesday to name Menifee’s new middle school Kathryn Newport Middle School.

Sticking with its tradition of naming schools after pioneer residents, the Menifee Union School District board voted unanimously to honor Newport, the daughter of pioneer rancher William Newport, for whom Newport Road is named. Kathryn Newport was born in Menifee, attended the original Menifee School House near Newport and Bradley roads, and later served as teacher and principal there.

The fact the board’s vote was unanimous shouldn’t be taken as a sign that the choice was easy, however.

Among the members of the naming committee, the final choice was a 6-6 tie between Kathryn Newport and Eliza Auld, who was the first teacher at Menifee School House. Auld was not a Menifee resident, however, instead living in the French Valley area and driving a wagon to school each day.

Board members had just as much difficulty choosing among the two. Eventually, board member Kyle Root suggested that the choice be Kathryn Newport Middle School, also recommending that the next elementary school – to be built southeast of Bell Mountain – be named after Auld.

Superintendent Jennifer Root (no relation to Kyle) said that only the agenda item could be voted on, but board members seemed in agreement with Kyle Root’s idea to suggest that the next naming committee strongly consider Eliza Auld for the elementary school’s name. Bob O’Donnell’s vote to honor Kathryn Newport passed, 4-0 (Morgan Singleton was absent).

Kathyn Newport Middle School is under construction on Audie Murphy Road, north of Newport Road and just west of La Ladera Park.