Malibu High School Principal Dr. Mark Kelly will be moving to a new position within the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District at the end of the month, superintendent Sandra Lyon said in an email to parents Thursday. Kelly will serve as new Director of Student Services following the retirement of Marolyn Freedman in that position at the end of June.
“I realize that this appointment will dramatically affect Malibu High School, and that Dr. Kelly will be greatly missed,” Lyon wrote. “But I also know everyone will agree that Dr. Kelly will be an asset to the district office and will help guarantee a smooth transition for the Student Services Department this summer.”
A job description for the position of high school principal at MHS will be posted on the district’s website on Monday.
“Rest assured, district and community stakeholders will be involved in the process for selecting the new Malibu High School Principal,” Lyon wrote.
Kelly also wrote a letter to parents, which was distributed via email Thursday. Below is the letter in full.
“Dear Malibu High School Students and Parents,
I am writing to share that I will not be returning to Malibu High School for the upcoming school year. I am leaving to serve the district as the Director of Student Services. This is an excellent and exciting opportunity for me. I am grateful for the wonderful support from students, teachers, staff, parents and the community throughout my eight years as principal. Serving as principal of Malibu High has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my career, as well as one of the most humbling. It is the right time for me to leave and to accept this new responsibility. I am confident that a highly qualified principal will be hired who, with your support, will thrive. The process for hiring a new principal will begin shortly. Malibu High School is an incredibly special place. Throughout the years, my greatest joy came from standing back, pausing, watching, listening and embracing the dynamic life of school. These are the times that made me smile and the moments that filled my heart. To the entire Malibu High School community, and to all in Malibu, I say thank you!
Sincerely,
Mark O. Kelly
Principal”