"I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served in public education for 36 years, and especially for the privilege of spending the last decade as a superintendent, including the last five years here in MBUSD," said Bowes.

At Wednesday's school board meeting, and in a Friday email to MBUSD parents, Bowes said that he plans to serve until the end of the current school year on June 30.

"I made this announcement at this week's board meeting so that the board will have ample time to thoughtfully identify the next superintendent of the Manhattan Beach Unified School District. Trustees will be engaging in a thorough and inclusive process, and I encourage you to watch for updates on that important work in the months ahead," Bowes wrote to parents. "I am thankful for the students, families, staff, and community members who have made this work so meaningful and rewarding."

Bowes came to MBUSD in 2021 after serving as the superintendent in the Davis Joint Unified School District in northern California.