The Manhattan Beach Unified School District has named Amanda Vavao as the new principal of Pacific Elementary School.
Vavao started her career at MBUSD in 2006 and since then has served in many roles, including a teacher at Pennekamp Elementary, substitute, summer school Expanded Learning Opportunities principal intern for grades K-12, and most recently, a vice principal at Mira Costa High School.
She is no stranger to elementary school. Vavao served as a teacher at Pennekamp for 16 years and has been in many leadership positions. Most notably, as a teacher-leader and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) coach, she assisted her site administrator in revamping the school’s code of student conduct and behavioral expectations matrix.
Vavao said she is thrilled to become part of the Panther community.
“I’ve heard many positive things about Pacific in the nearly two decades that I’ve worked in MBUSD, and I’m extremely excited to take part in the great things ahead!” said Vavao. Vavao fills the position created by the recent retirement of Principal Rhonda Steinberg, who spent 18 years at MBUSD. Steinberg served as the principal at Pacific since 2016, and previous to that was principal at Grand View Elementary School for 11 years.
Vavao is also a former MBUSD parent and is looking forward to the new beginning.
“Meeting the staff, students, and their families is something that I am eager to do, as creating and maintaining positive working relationships is very important to me,” said Vavao.
Three vice principals were appointed by the Manhattan Beach Unified Board of Trustees at the May 31 meeting. Two of the appointed administrators were hired internally.
Raeann Marti, a nine-year humanities teacher at Manhattan Beach Middle School (MBMS), was appointed as one of Mira Costa’s newest vice principals.
“I am very excited about this new journey, and I am immensely grateful for this opportunity to continue to support and serve the families of this magnificent community,” said Raeann Marti.
Marti has also served in other administrative roles for the District.
“What I look forward to the most is supporting students as they navigate their last chapter in MBUSD and prepare for their future,” she said.
“Furthermore, I look forward to working alongside a team of incredible teachers and staff dedicated to ensuring that our students achieve personal, social, creative, and academic excellence.”
Kimberly Price, a Pennekamp Elementary teacher for the past 22 years, will also join the Mira Costa team. During her time at MBUSD, she has served in supporting roles for teachers and students.
“It is an incredible honor to step into this leadership position at Mira Costa High School as one of the new Vice Principals,” Price said. “I am excited to join the Mustang community and grateful for the opportunity to be part of the team.”
She is looking forward to the opportunity to reconnect with students and families she already knows, as well as getting to know new faces.
“Creating and maintaining positive relationships with students, staff, and the community is what I look forward to most as we work together to ensure every student’s academic and social-emotional success at Mira Costa,” said Price.
Deborah Park will likewise join the leadership team at Mira Costa. She comes from Santa Ana Unified School District, where she served as a learning and achievement specialist, curator of projects, and literacy coach. Park is excited to start a new chapter.
“I believe that high school is a special time in students’ lives filled with transformative growth, core memories, and developing as learners. Being able to contribute to our students’ stories motivates me,” Park said. “ I look forward to an amazing school year.”
“I am filled with gratitude, hope, and excitement. I have already felt so welcomed by MBUSD.”
Superintendent John Bowes welcomed the new school leaders.
“A thorough recruitment and selection process was utilized to identify these new additions to the MBUSD team,” Bowes said. “They rose to the top from a pool of highly qualified candidates and have demonstrated their expertise in various leadership roles. They all are committed to ensuring our students are provided with an exceptional educational journey. I am looking forward to their contributions in these school site leadership positions.” ER
