Longtime principal Betty Rose dies at 62

Longtime principal  Betty Rose of the Etiwanda School District died last week.

Rose, 62, came to the Etiwanda School District in 2004 after being a principal in the Fontana Unified School District, and before that a teacher in the Rancho Cucamonga-based Cucamonga School District.

"She was an amazing woman," said Shawn Judson, Etiwanda superintendent. "She was dedicated to her staff, kids and parents. From the minute you would talk to her it was like she was your best friend."

Judson said Rose was instrumental in making sure teachers had the appropriate training to meet the needs of their students and brought in consultants to bring in different strategies to help students who came from different cultures and backgrounds.

The school's state scores steadily improved over the years as well, Judson said.

"One year the school made a 50-point gain," he said.

A memorial service was held Saturday in Rose's honor.

Donations may be made to Precept Ministries International, American Cancer Society and/or East Heritage Elementary School Student Fund, Att: Betty Rose Memorial Fund c/o the school 909-823-5696.