Transitions
June 22, 2026
Dr. Helio E. Brasil is retiring on June 30, 2026, after more than 33 years of service in California public education. He currently serves as superintendent of the Keyes Union Elementary School District, where he has led the district for nine years and oversees both the TK-8 district and the Keyes to Learning Charter School serving students in grades TK-12.
An immigrant from the Azores, Portugal, Brasil arrived in the United States at age 9 unable to speak English. A proud product of public education, he earned his master’s degree in educational leadership from Saint Mary’s College of California and later completed a doctorate in political science and international relations.
Throughout his career, Brasil has served as a teacher, activities director, vice principal, principal, superintendent, and educational advocate. He has led the Merced River, McSwain, and Keyes Union school districts and has been recognized as a Small School District Superintendent of the Year. His professional service includes leadership roles with the Small School Districts’ Association, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing’s Committee of Credentials, the Advisory Commission on Charter Schools, WASC accreditation teams, and ACSA.
Brasil credits his success to the sacrifices of his family and remains committed to the belief that public education creates opportunity and hope. He considers serving students, families, and educators to be the greatest honor of his professional life.
“My mother and brother milked cows so that I could attend school. Public education gave me opportunities I never imagined possible,” he said. “Every day of my career has been an opportunity to repay that gift by serving students, families, and educators. It has truly been the honor of a lifetime.”
The Manhattan Beach Unified School District Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the selection of seasoned educator Dr. Kim Linz as the district’s next superintendent, effective July 1.
Linz is returning to the Manhattan Beach community after transitioning in 2018 to serve as chief business official in neighboring El Segundo. Prior to her CBO role, she spent 10 years as principal of both Pacific Elementary and Manhattan Beach Middle Schools. Linz began her career as a special education teacher in Arizona. She later moved to California to join the Beverly Hills Unified School District as a general and special education teacher at the elementary and middle school level, math coach, and assistant principal. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Linz has established a track record of strategic leadership in TK-12 education and selfless service to students, staff, and families.
Linz holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from USC, a master’s in teaching from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts in English from University of Wisconsin. She has been recognized as the Business Official of the Year by both ACSA and Los Angeles County Office of Education. In 2024, she was honored by the El Segundo PTA Council for her exceptional work leading the district’s $92 million bond program.
Linz is known for her thoughtful listening, collaborative leadership style and ability to balance technical oversight with a focus on learning. Having served as both a site leader in MBUSD and executive level leader in El Segundo, she understands the high standards, civic pride, and deep connections families have with their local schools. Colleagues and supervisors credit her “high touch” approach as a major asset in bringing all voices to the table. She also uses her influence with local, state, and federal agencies to secure additional resources and assets to enhance the student experience.
Submit news about educator promotions, retirements and obituaries to EdCal.
Submit
Find your next position in school leadership.
Search jobs