SMMUSD Selects New Superintendent

MALIBU, CA - Dr. Ben Drati will be officially approved as the new Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District superintendent during the Thursday, Nov. 3, board of education meeting.

Dr. Drati has served as the assistant superintendent of secondary education for the Santa Barbara Unified School District since 2012, where he has been instrumental in bringing achievement and access to all students and helping to create a district focused on diversity, inclusiveness and cultural proficiency, according to SMMUSD.

"During our validation visit we heard very favorable common themes from participants in describing Dr. Drati: that he is authentic, noble, a uniter, a good listener, displays trust and heart, builds cohesion and forms highly productive relationships," Laurie Lieberman, board president, said in a statement.

"His passion for providing educational opportunities so all students may reach their full potential fits in perfectly with our Excellence through Equity plan implementation," Lieberman said.

The appointment will be effective Jan. 1, 2017.

Two temporary superintendents have run the district since July, following the departure of former superintendent Sandra Lyon.

The appointment of Dr. Drati is the second big change to SMMUSD. The Board of Education appointed Michelle "Cheli" Nye as the new principal of Malibu High School back in September.

Nye replaced Brandon Gallagher who left the district in July.