Jennifer Huynh, currently an administrator at Mira Costa High School, has been named principal of Manhattan Beach Middle School. She replaces departing MBMS Principal Rose Ahrens.

For the past year, Huynh has served at Mira Costa High School as a vice principal, overseeing athletics, activities, and safety programs.

She began her career in education in 2008 as a Language Arts, Vietnamese, AVID, and Student Leadership teacher in the Albuquerque Public Schools District. Her other leadership roles have included serving as a community college adjunct faculty member, operations manager, and prior to joining Mira Costa, as an assistant principal in Santa Ana Unified School District. 

"As we wrap up the final weeks of summer, I am very excited to take on this new role," Hunyh wrote in an email to the Mira Costa High School community. "It has been a true privilege to serve the Mustang community and I am sad to leave as I believe I have built strong relationships with our staff, students, and families...This next step in my career will allow me to continue my leadership role right here in this wonderful community."

"I know that she will continue the good work already accomplished at MBMS and we look forward to the contributions Ms. Huynh will make to the district in this new position," said MBUSD Superintendent John Bowes in a message to parents. 

New MBMS Vice Principal

Meanwhile, on Thursday night, MBUSD named Luke Olesiuk as the new vice principal of MBMS. He replaces the departing Kerry Aguero.

Olesiuk currently serves as assistant principal at Center Street Elementary School in the El Segundo Unified School District. Previously, he served as principal at Redondo Beach Education Foundation Summer Academy, as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) at Adams Middle School in Redondo Beach, and as the math department chair at El Segundo Middle School.

"The new leadership team at MBMS is looking forward to continuing their commitment to maximizing student achievement and supporting student and staff growth and development," said Bowes in a message to parents.

In addition to those changes at MBMS, MBUSD has had multiple leadership changes in the past year. Those changes include a new superintendent (Bowes), new Mira Costa High School principal (Karina Gerger), and new principals at Grand View Elementary (Tara Grings) and Pennekamp Elementary (Sharon Witzansky).