By Andonia Goergen
Executive News Editor
Manhattan Beach Unified School District (MBUSD) Superintendent Dr. Mike Matthews recently announced that he will leave his position in the district after his contract ends on June 30.
Matthews served as the MBUSD Superintendent for 11 years before announcing his departure from the district on April 13 in a newsletter to MBUSD families. Although he has no clear plans as to what his future entails, he assured the district that he is not retiring yet and is looking forward to a change.
“It has been an honor to work alongside the dedicated and caring employees of MBUSD, striving together to create ever-improving academic environments for our students,” Matthews said in the letter.
According to Matthews, he initially asked the MBUSD Board to not renew his contract on July 8 of last year and recently confirmed his decision. Matthews found it difficult to leave the district after the events of the past year, but the recent return to campus for all students simplified his decision, Matthews said.
“My next adventure could be anything, and I look forward to whatever that is,” Matthews said in the letter.
During his time as Superintendent, Matthews oversaw changes to curriculum, construction projects on most MBUSD campuses and has developed strong partnerships with colleagues, according to Matthews. Prior to working as a superintendent, Matthews was a high school teacher and principal, an assistant principal, a middle school principal and an assistant superintendent at various schools and districts.
“There is a ton of work to be done between now and June 30,” Matthews said in the letter. “I look forward to finishing this school year strongly and preparing for the 2021-22 school year.”
The MBUSD Board began the search for a replacement the same week that Matthews announced his resignation. The district is using a search firm to aid in the process and identify candidates who understand the needs of the community, according to MBUSD Board President Jen Fenton.
“We’re sad that he told us that this was going to be his last year,” Fenton said, “but we are going to respect his wishes, and between now and June 30, we’re going to celebrate him.”
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