Superintendent Ben Drati To Step Down, Helm Nearby District

MALIBU, CA — Superintendent Ben Drati on Friday announced his unexpected departure from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.

Drati was recently appointed Superintendent of Bellflower Unified School District, he said in a note to community members Friday. Drati will assume his new position in January 2023.

The board of education will meet in closed session on Tuesday to determine next steps for appointing a new superintendent, according to a representative of the district. It was not immediately clear whether there would be an interim Superintendent.

"I realize this is unexpected. I want to let you know that I have thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated serving as the Superintendent of SMMUSD and will always cherish my time here," Drati said.

Drati was named SMMUSD Superintendent in 2016. In his message Friday, Drati highlighted some of the district's accomplishments since then, including parent participation with staff and administrations, commitment to identity practices, facility improvements and modernization and student health and wellness programs.

"I will continue to root for and support the journey you have embarked on, and my family and I thank you for six great years of educating our students and preparing them for college and career," Drati said.