A trio of new hirings was approved at a recent SMMUSD board meeting.
Principals for Malibu High, Malibu Middle School and a new director of special education were named at the Thursday, March 21 board meeting. Patrick Miller as principal for Malibu High, Melissa Andino as principal for Malibu Middle School and Deanna Sinfield as Director Of Special Education were named to their new positions, which will be effective July 1, 2019.
Each staff member was praised by Superintendent Dr. Ben Drati before they gave thanks to the board and their communities.
Miller is currently the principal at Webster elementary and former assistant principal at Malibu High. During his time at Malibu High, Miller was a Spanish teacher, coach, World Languages department chair, and literacy teacher.
“I appreciate the opportunity to go back home,” Miller began. “I’m humbled by the opportunity to return home for a second time and be trusted with the responsibility to care for a place that to me is so special … Thanks to Webster Elementary, who has been good to me… I remain committed to Webster these next few months in hopes I leave it better than I found it.”
Andino currently serves as the Malibu High assistant principal for Malibu’s middle school, residing on the same campus.
The middle school gets a new campus this fall with dedicated staff, of which Andino will manage as principal.
Andino worked at MHS for 12 years teaching middle school math before she was assistant principal. Started MHS’s cheer program, coached varsity cheer for 8 years, and served as ASB advisor for 4 years as well as being a math department chair.
“I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to be principal at Malibu Middle School,” Andino said. “In 12 years I’ve seen first-hand what a tremendous community we have here … I look forward to opening the middle school in Fall and building that middle school identity.”
Lastly, Sinfield was named as the new director of special education, replacing Pam Kazee.
Sinfield has more than 26 years of experience in education, 20 of those in SMMUSD. She’s been principal for Franklin elementary and a school psychologist and Special Education coordinator before that.
“I’m honored to continue with the district and elevate my knowledge in these areas and programs in the district. I’ve learned so much here, so thank you so much for this honor. I look forward to continuing with the district.”
angel@smdp.com
