The Manhattan Beach Unified School District (MBUSD) Board of Trustees introduced Dr. Michael Matthews as its choice for superintendent of schools at a special public meeting Tuesday night.
Matthews said he is ecstatic about his new position. "I plan to spend a lot of time with the board, talking to employees to find out what we're doing right and how to improve it, and also what challenges we face," Matthews said. He also lauded MBUSD for its management during the budget problems facing schools.
Dr. Beverly Rohrer, the current superintendent, said she is pleased with the board's choice. "I think Dr. Matthews is a perfect addition to the district," she said. "I'm sure he'll exceed all expectations."
Matthews will be officially appointed when his employment contract is approved at the regular board of trustees meeting May 5. He will take over from Rohrer on July 1.
Matthews earned a B.A. in international relations and an M.A. in education from Stanford University. He also holds an administrative services credential from U.C. Berkeley, and a doctorate in education from Pepperdine University.
In his 25-year career in education, Matthews has served as a high school social studies teacher for various subjects as well as an administrator. He was principal of Malibu High School for 11 years, and currently works as the assistant superintendent of human resources for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, a position he has held since 2004.
