More than 400 attendees were on hand to celebrate the district’s newest and largest elementary school. The campus sits on 12 acres, with buildings covering 77,000 square feet. Student capacity, allowing for future growth, is 950 students with about half that amount starting there Aug. 7.

 Guest speakers at the ribbon cutting included SJUSD Superintendent David Pyle, Soboba Tribal Council Chairman Isaiah Vivanco, SJUSD Board President Sandra Peñaloza, retired SJUSD Trustee John Norman and Rose’s daughter Desiree Salgado who all shared heartfelt reflections.

“On behalf of our family, thank you for honoring my mother, Rose Salgado, in such a beautiful way,” Desiree said. “My mom was a proud Native woman who believed deeply in giving back—not just to our people, but to the entire community. This school is more than a building—it’s a symbol of her love for community, education, and the future of our children. She believed in lifting others, and I know she would be deeply proud to see her name here today.”

Chairman Vivanco said, “A person can build a legacy through community involvement and through volunteering as well as contributing to positive change in their communities. One’s legacy is not about what you’ve done for yourself but more of what you’ve done for others or the impact you’ve had on others. What an honor to have one of our own have a school named after them in this valley. It goes without saying that Rose made an impact wherever she went.”

Peñaloza said she was honored to be present at the momentous occasion of the school’s ribbon cutting to mark its official opening. On behalf of the Board of Education, she offered their deepest gratitude to the Salgado family for sharing Rose with them and allowing her to lead, inspire and serve so selflessly.

 “The school bears the name of a woman who exemplified grace, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to children and the community,” she said. “Rose was more than a school board member; she was a pillar of this community, a proud Native American whose legacy is woven into the fabric of San Jacinto. Through her advocacy, her service, and her heart, she shaped generations. And now, through this school, her spirit will continue for generations to come.”

Throughout the long history of the district, other elementary schools have been named for founders of the area such as Juan Bautista De Anza, Edward Hyatt and Jose Antonio Estudillo. This is only the third school that has been named for an outstanding community leader. Previous elementary schools were named for Megan Cope and Clayton A. Record Jr.

When the governing school board voted in 2022 to name its newest school after Rose Salgado, the vote was unanimous. A groundbreaking was held in December 2023 and a formal Legacy Committee was formed several months ago with Salgado family members, close friends, community leaders and district personnel.

The purpose of the committee was to ensure that the spirit, legacy, and contributions of Rose Salgado were honored in a meaningful and lasting way as part of the opening of the new school. Its goal was to make sure that every detail—from the school’s name to specific design elements—reflected Rose’s lifelong dedication to education, cultural preservation, and community.

Principal Amy Rose shared her excitement for everyone’s input in shaping the heart of Rose Salgado Elementary. She reflected on the importance of building traditions, identity, and cultural representation in honor of Salgado’s legacy.

The focus group also contributed to the development of storytelling and historical context for Rose’s life, including the school’s website, staff/classroom lessons, a published book timeline, family tree, photos, and a permanent mural on campus.

There were approximately 25 members of the invitation-only Legacy Committee. The group was carefully selected to reflect a wide range of perspectives from family, Tribal leadership, the school district, and the broader community. It was truly a representation of the people and institutions Rose impacted most.

Some of those on the committee were former Soboba Tribal Chairwoman Rosemary Morillo, Soboba Tribal Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado, Soboba Tribal Council Secretary Monica Herrera, Rose’s granddaughters Avellaka Arviso and Tuupash Arviso, her daughter Desiree Salgado, sisters Raina Maciel and Frances Diaz, brother Ernie Salgado, sister-in-law Claudia Salgado, nieces Arlene Salgado, Stacia Maciel, Maureen Hernandez, Angela Hernandez, Lisa Huber and Andrea Salgado, nephew Jorge Hernandez, former SJUSD School Board President and longtime friend John Norman, and other close friends Andrew Vallejos, Steven Estrada, Mike Hiles, Gale Hill, Lori VanArsdale and Vince Record.

“While the committee was very collaborative and inclusive, the voices and insights of Rose’s family were truly the guide,” Mike Hiles said. “Amy Rose, Principal of Rose Salgado Elementary, served as the central facilitator, and her leadership, kindness, and clear vision helped us stay on track while making space for every voice. She ensured the work stayed grounded in what Rose stood for—service, culture, humility, and education.”

Several in-person and virtual meetings were held in addition to multiple side sessions with a handful of the members that allowed them to go deeper into the emotional, cultural, and narrative pieces of planning, and ensured that decisions were made thoughtfully and with care.

“Rose wasn’t just a leader—she was my best friend, my constant, and the heart of so much good in this world,” her close friend Andrew Vallejos said. “To know her was to feel seen, loved, and reminded that every child deserved to be lifted up. Her strength was quiet but powerful, her humility unmatched, and her love for her Tribal and local communities ran deeper than words.”

He said seeing this school named in her honor is overwhelming in the best way as it feels like her spirit is still here, guiding every step, every lesson, every little voice that walks through its doors.

“This isn’t just a school—it’s her legacy in motion. And I know, without a doubt, she’d be proud and humbly honored,” Vallejos said.

There were also school community meetings with school staff, parents and district personnel along with Soboba Tribal members and Salgado family members which were held prior to the formation of the formal Legacy Committee.

Those involved made several impactful and thoughtful recommendations such as the visual identity and signage for the school mascot, which is the bear. The family felt the bear symbolized strength, power, protection and wisdom; all qualities they felt reflected Rose.

“This year, and every year forward, we will be guided by five core values of Belonging, Empowerment, Accountability, Respect, and Service to others which reflect the spirit of Rose Salgado, whose life reminds us that education is not only about achievement—it’s about purpose, connection, and service,” Principal Rose said.

The committee also selected quotes, artwork and language that captured Rose’s values. A dedicated space has been designed inside the school to honor her life and legacy, ensuring that Tribal history and culture are represented respectfully and authentically in the school’s identity. Every decision made has been rooted in love, tradition and a desire to preserve the spirit of who Rose Salgado was.

“How do you honor someone whose impact will echo through hundreds of years?” Peñaloza asked. “You build a place where children can learn, grow, and be nurtured—just as Rose would have wanted. Welcome to Rose Salgado Elementary, a school built on purpose, hope, and a legacy that will never fade.”

For more information on Rose Salgado Elementary School at 600 N. Vernon Ave. in San Jacinto, please visit https://rses.sanjacinto.k12.ca.us.

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In March 2022, the SJUSD Board of Trustees allowed the community to submit names to be considered for the proposed elementary school, provided they met the guidelines. Among the many submissions was one from longtime resident, community member and current SJUSD Board Trustee President John I. Norman. He submitted Rose Salgado’s name with several comments. “Rose was born, raised, attended schools, graduated and worked in the San Jacinto Valley. She became a leader and icon in the valley through participation on many boards, including SJUSD two separate times,” Norman wrote. “She was instrumental in seeing the Soboba Aquatic Center at San Jacinto High School come to fruition. She believed in the valley and wanted each and every student to have a positive and strong academic and personal/social foundation.”

Salgado, who passed away in May 2021 at the age of 65, served on the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Tribal Council for 28 years and served on the boards of many other organizations in the valley.

The crowd was welcomed by SJUSD Superintendent David Pyle who took a moment to introduce all the dignitaries that were present, noting he had never seen such a great turnout for a groundbreaking event.

A Tribal blessing was given in the Cahuilla language by Steven Estrada and in Luiseño by Monica Herrera, and then translated into English by Estrada. He said they asked the Creator to watch over everyone who was there that afternoon and to bless the school and all the students and teachers who will be there in the future. “We are thankful for the special woman for whom this school is to be named for,” he continued. “A woman who dedicated so much, not just for her Tribe but also for this whole community. Rose believed an education was important for everyone who provided support for so many great causes. We thank the officials who thought about Rose Salgado and all the contributions she made to this valley. Put your blessing on her, her family and all those she cared so deeply for.”

Norman spoke fondly of Salgado at the groundbreaking saying, “When I speak about Rose, I speak from the heart. I can’t think of any greater tribute to an individual than to have a school named after her so that her legacy can live on and the children that go through these doors each and every day will still be affected by Rose Salgado; I know I am and will continue to be. The children of our valley are lucky and fortunate to have these beautiful surroundings, and to be touched by the memories of Rose.”

Soboba Tribal Council Chairman Isaiah Vivanco said, “What an honor to have one of our own have a school named after them in this valley. It goes without saying that Rose made an impact wherever she went.” He said she was always very proud of the Tribe’s accomplishments and worked really hard, putting in many years and effort, to get the Soboba Casino Resort built. He said when the doors opened, it was one of Rose’s most prized moments. “And I know she is looking down and sees this groundbreaking and when the school opens, it will be another one. She was never one who required the spotlight, but I believe Rose is looking down on us today with a huge smile, knowing that she made an impact on everybody here. I’m proud to say Rose was a friend of mine. She encouraged me to do some of the things I’m doing today and I’m thankful for that. I want to thank San Jacinto Unified School District for this incredibly huge acknowledgement. On behalf of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians and Rose’s family, we’d like to thank you for that.”

The Inter-Tribal Bird Singers shared a couple of songs “in honor of the late Rose Salgado to honor everything she did and the legacy she left in our community and the land we stand on.” Following their performance, Salgado’s close friend and Soboba Foundation Sponsorship Coordinator Andrew Vallejos shared a few words.

“Schools are named for leaders, for contributors, for those who made a difference in their lifetime. We all know Rose was that person,” he said. “What you may not know is that she truly was that person even behind closed doors. She was constantly thinking about, talking about, inquiring about or researching what she could do – technically, what WE can do – to improve upon service to others, in her community and our communities. We all know Rose knew how to work; we all know she knew how to play/have fun/laugh and make others laugh, but I think what made her truly great and why we should and are naming a school after her, is not only her commitment to service, but her ability to make things happen. She could motivate people to take action – to think/listen/ask/speak up and change things for the good of all. I often think about what other contributions Rose would have made had she not left us at such a young age. I guess what they say is somewhat true, ‘the good do die young,’ which means some of us have many years to go. But I am proud and grateful to have been witness to the remarkable strides she did make. This school will stand as a testament to Rose’s dedication to youth and education and that will continue to make a huge difference in the lives of so many.

Salgado’s granddaughter, Avellaka Arviso, shared her remarks. “On behalf of our entire family, I would like to thank you all for being here today. This is a very proud moment for all of us and we truly feel blessed to honor the legacy of grandma Rose in such a meaningful way. My grandmother Rose was pushy. She pushed buttons, she pushed people, and she had the perseverance to stomp out ignorance, bring people together and improve educational opportunities for everyone. She knew that a strong education meant a better quality of life, and it was her mission to help further that education for her people and all of those within her reach. As we gather today to commemorate the groundbreaking of the Rose Salgado Elementary School and envision classrooms filled with students for generations to come, let us be reminded of the groundbreaker that Rose Salgado was. Let us be inspired by her example to use our time on this earth to lift people up, motivate them to better themselves, and provide the resources required to be all that they can be.”

Pyle concluded the ceremony by thanking all who attended and saying, “What an incredible moment this is to be starting a new legacy for hundreds of thousands of students in the future who will come to this school that has so much history and meaning behind it.”

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