Malibu, Santa Monica District Names Interim Superintendent

MALIBU, CA — The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District on Thursday named 23-year district veteran Mark Kelly Interim Superintendent to serve while the district finds Ben Drati's permanent replacement.

Six-year Superintendent Drati announced his unexpected departure on Nov. 18 after he was appointed Superintendent of nearby Bellflower Unified School District effective January 2023. A tenure of this length is not uncommon for superintendents, according to the district

Kelly was called up from his position as assistant superintendent of human resources, a post he assumed in 2015. Kelly's interim role begins on Jan. 1, 2023.

“I feel honored to support the District during this time of transition,” Kelly said. “We will continue our tradition of excellence in SMMUSD and will move forward initiatives and plans that Dr. Drati initiated over the past several years.”

Kelly previously served as co-principal of Santa Monica High School, principal of Malibu High School and executive director of student and professional services, according to the district.

"He is very involved and has a keen awareness and familiarity with our goals, budget, and initiatives, and will jump in as an effective leader immediately," Board President Maria Leon-Vazquez said in a statement.

The board appointed Laurie Lieberman, Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein and Leon-Vazquez to a sub-committee focused on the superintendent hiring process. The committee will recommend a contracted education executive search firm by January to help find Drati's replacement.