Do you have legacy employees in your district? You most likely do. I recommend you celebrate them.

In my first few weeks of becoming the new superintendent in my district, I met a teacher during orientation. She introduced herself this way: “Hi, I am Erin Perez, and I am a Legacy Teacher.” I was a bit taken aback because I had never heard the phrase, so I asked for more information. She said, “Well, I went to these schools and graduated from here. My mom was a teacher and a principal here, and now I am a teacher, therefore, I’m a Legacy Teacher.” I replied, “Hot dog! You surely are!” Then I pondered on the conversation and wondered if there were more.

As I continued to meet more staff, I met many employees who had been students in Murrieta Valley at some point. Two of them are in my senior cabinet, others are custodians, a principal, many dozens of teachers, a few counselors, maintenance staff and more. At that time, it was fall of 2022 and the start of the first year without the mask mandate. We were all dealing with low morale, new student behaviors and learning issues, and low attendance. And I wanted to celebrate these Legacy Employees and recognize them.

My team and I developed a simple token of appreciation, the Legacy Employee lapel pin: “MVUSD, Legacy Employee.” That year and each year after, we distribute a survey link to all employees asking them to request a pin if they ever attended any of our schools. We do not check transcripts, but we do ask a few questions:

My office then sends them a lapel pin and a card to recognize them.

As of this year, there are over 215 Legacy Employees. Their responses tell the story:

“When I finished my credential at Humboldt State University in 2001, Candyce reached out to me and asked if I would consider applying for a teaching position. I did, and the rest is history! How could I not come home?” — K.G., English teacher.

“It’s where I’ve spent the majority of my life, and I love the community. Now my kids are starting to go to school here, and I want them to have the type of experience that I had as a kid. What better way to be a part of it than to work where they get their education and give back like all the staff before me.” — M.E., lead custodian.

“I remember always feeling so supported by all my teachers growing up, at all the schools I attended and seeing how much my teachers genuinely cared about their students and their job. I had so many teachers make an impact on me, and I want to be able to do the same in my community.” — D.S., kindergarten teacher.

Even today, an employee that was once a student will introduce themselves to me as a Legacy Employee. This small token of appreciation has made a difference to the whole organization, but more importantly to the individual.

The card the employee receives says, “It is remarkable when the system is so influential and meaningful that you return … The choices you make to best serve our students, families and each other are phenomenal.”

Our people do amazing work to inspire others to create their futures. Let’s celebrate them. For more information about Murrieta Valley USD’s Legacy Employees program, please visit www.murrieta.k12.ca.us/Page/39138.