(From pylusd.org)

May 20, 2022 – Announcement Regarding Interim Superintendent

The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) Board of Education has unanimously agreed to name Dr. Michael Matthews as Interim Superintendent pending successful contract negotiations and final Board approval on June 7, 2022. He will serve in this role from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.

“We are excited to work with Dr. Matthews over the next school year to advance our dynamic learning community,” Board President Carrie Buck shared. “He is an accomplished instructional leader who will bring a wealth of educational knowledge and decision-making skills to support The PYLUSD Advantage for our students, employees, and families.” 

Dr. Matthews’ career as an educator spans over 35 years in various school site and district level capacities. From 2010 to 2021, he served as Superintendent in the Manhattan Beach Unified School District (MBUSD). Under Dr. Matthews’ leadership, Manhattan Beach focused on a myriad of strategic initiatives, professional development activities, and community partnerships that supported the academic success of students and the organizational excellence of the school district. 

“I am looking forward to serving the students, families, and employees of the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District during the 2022-23 school year,” Dr. Matthews stated. “PYLUSD has a long history of excellence and innovation, and I hope to build on those successes, as we focus our efforts on what matters most – the teaching and learning that goes on in the classroom every day.”

Before leading Manhattan Beach, Dr. Matthews was Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Prior to this role, he spent fourteen years as a middle and high school Assistant Principal and Principal in various California school districts. Dr. Matthews first launched his career teaching social studies to high school students.

Dr. Matthews received his doctorate in educational and institutional management from Pepperdine University and his masters in education and bachelors in international relations from Stanford University. From 1999 to 2019, he also served as an adjunct professor at California State University, Northridge, and California State University, Long Beach.

“The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District is hiring an outstanding interim superintendent,”  shared MBUSD Board Member Jen Fenton. “Dr. Matthews is a leader who listens, cares, and always has each student and staff member’s best interest at heart. He is also a true visionary and spearheaded several initiatives that advanced teaching and learning during his eleven years in our district.”

The PYLUSD Board wishes to extend its gratitude to Dr. Jim Elsasser for his steady leadership and for living out the district’s core values of excellence, collaboration, integrity, and innovation during his tenure as Superintendent. Trustees also want to express their appreciation to Education Support Services (ESS) Consulting Group for their support in identifying Dr. Matthews as the district’s interim leader. It is the Board’s belief that this approach will ensure a smooth transition and a strong foundation for the next superintendent. Details regarding the district’s superintendent search will be shared with stakeholders during the 2022-2023 school year.

Dr. Elsasser will continue to serve as Superintendent until June 30, 2022. He will work closely with Dr. Matthews to ensure a seamless transition before his anticipated start date in PYLUSD on July 1, 2022.