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JUSD'S Newest Principals

​Introducing JUSD'S 3 New Principals,

“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” – John F. Kennedy
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As site leaders, JUSD principals must shape a school’s learning environment, provide strategic direction, lead teachers and staff, and ensure that students learn without limits – among a myriad of other responsibilities.

This school year, Jurupa Unified School District is proud to welcome new principals at three of the district’s 26 campuses.

According to the new leaders themselves, their approaches include: ​

  • ​Being a great listener.
  • Ensuring high academic expectations.
  • Inspiring students to dream big.
  • Pushing a trash can around.

​To learn more, read our Q&A with Daisy Flores, Hilliary Salley and Monika Montiel-Turner:

Daisy Flores, principal of Van Buren Elementary, is in her first official year at JUSD. She most recently served as a RIMS (Riverside, Inyo, Mono and San Bernardino counties) AVID elementary program specialist. AVID, or Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a college-readiness program for K-12 students.

What initially drew you to teaching, and what led you to become a principal?
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I wanted to make a difference in children’s lives. 

What is the best thing you’ve done as a school leader?

I have led schools in learning AVID strategies, helping students become college and career ready.

What are your Top 3 goals in your new assignment?  

  1. Maintain a warm, safe, collaborative, and high-energy environment for our Van Buren Students and staff.
  2. Be a GREAT listener and have clear communication.
  3. Support and celebrate everyone's efforts.​

Describe your leadership style. 

I have been told that I “lead by example.” I love to motivate, encourage, and spread smiles :)

Provide an example of how you connect with students, teachers and staff, parents and/or the community. ​​

I love music and enjoy dancing! On Fridays, we dance during recess. The students LOVE it. Teachers and staff participate, too! One student told me he has going to bring his boots and belt the following week, and another asked me why I love music so much!

Do you have a favorite quote or saying? 

“Trade your expectations for appreciation, and your life will change in an instant.” – Tony Robbins 

Hilliary Salley, principal of Pacific Avenue Academy of Music, has been a JUSD educator for 16 years. Most recently, she served as assistant principal of Del Sol Academy.


What first drew you to teaching, and what led you to become a principal? 

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Inspiring students to succeed past their own beliefs is what initially drew me to teaching. I became a principal because of a desire to work with students, teachers/staff and parents to build a culture where the belief is that students can achieve and thrive when given the tools to be successful.

What is the best thing you’ve done as a school leader?

The best thing I’ve done as a school leader is to inspire students to believe that every day presents new opportunities to be the best person they can be and to chase their dreams even if it may seem challenging.


What are your Top 3 areas of focus in your new assignment?

I want to motivate students to take ownership of their learning; to create a school and community culture that teamwork makes the dream work; and to continue to support parent and community involvement. 

Describe your leadership style.

I believe that no one person holds all the answers on how to accomplish a given task. My leadership style is to create school environments where everyone (students, teachers, staff, parents and community) feels a part of the team and knows that their contribution and hard work to meet the needs of all student learners is valued and significant.

Provide an example of how you connect with students, teachers and staff, parents and/or the community.

I enjoy being with the students. One of the things I do when I’m out at recess with them is sing. The students enjoy singing and telling me about their dreams and what they want to be when they grow up. When students ask me “Mrs. Salley, did you always want to be a principal?” I respond with “I’ve always wanted to inspire youth to dream big, work hard, and try — that can take you pretty far in life.”

Do you have a favorite quote or saying?

“If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but by all means, keep moving.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Monika Montiel-Turner, principal of Jurupa Middle School, has served JUSD for 10 years. She most recently was assistant principal of curriculum and instruction at Jurupa Valley High School.

What first drew you to teaching, and what led you to become a principal?Monika Montiel-Turner.jpg

I knew I always wanted to work for kids and while preparing for the MCAT, I fell in LOVE with teaching students and connecting with them through education.

I was an assistant principal for several years by choice and when this wonderful opportunity to serve the Jurupa Middle School Panthers as the principal was offered...I had to take it!

What is the best thing you’ve done as a school leader?

Collaborating and connecting with the students, parents, and the community to completely improve an athletic program.


Initially, what are your Top 3 goals in your new assignment?​
  • ​Build trust and relationships with students, staff and parents.
  • Provide high academic expectations for all students to achieve their own personal excellence in preparation for college and careers.
  • ​ Ensure that JMS staff makes quality connections to ensure a safe school environment for all students.
Describe your leadership style.

I am an “actions speak louder than words” and “students first” type of leader. The textbook definition would be a transformational leader with the focus being on student success, with all decisions in the best interest of the student.

Describe how you connect with students, teachers and staff, parents and/or the community.

I make myself visible, available and approachable and talk with them. I am out on campus and in classrooms as much as possible. I am out in the morning with a bullhorn welcoming students and pushing a trash can around at lunch cleaning OUR campus. I know students go home and tell their families because I often hear, “You’re the one who talks to the kids and pushes the trash can around.” 

Do you have a favorite quote or saying?

I love saying these two things to the kids: Make GOOD Choices and Have a Panther Pride day!​