September 7, 2026

The Manhattan Beach Unified School District Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Dr. Kim Linz as the district’s next superintendent. Linz began her assignment on July 1, 2026.

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 with a Very Special Person (VSP) award 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.

The MBUSD Board expresses its appreciation to all the applicants who shared an interest in serving the district. Ultimately, Linz’s transparent style along with her seasoned record of executive experience made her a standout candidate.

Frank J. Abbott (Jake), longtime California educator and advocate for public education, passed away at the age of 95 on Aug. 10 after a short illness.

Abbott was known throughout the state as an excellent superintendent, chair of the ACSA Superintendent’s Committee, and founding partner of Leadership Associates. He was a role model, mentor, friend, and inspiration to many who became superintendents in the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s. He was committed to helping every leader to become better and focus on serving every student.

He started and ended his public education life where he grew up, in Fresno, first as a student and outstanding baseball player, eventually playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers until an injury ended his baseball career. Abbott was teacher, then principal in Clovis Unified, then superintendent in Huntington Beach High School District, Mt. Diablo Unified, then back home, to Fresno Unified, where he entered the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame.

Abbott’s many recognitions include ACSA’s Marcus Foster Memorial Award for Administrator Excellence, an appointment in 1987 by California Governor George Deukmejian to a statewide education panel, and faculty member at UC Berkeley.

Along with two of the leaders he most admired, Harry Weinberg and Bob Trigg, Abbott founded Leadership Associates in 1996. That firm continues to help California school boards find high-quality superintendents and provide professional development for boards, superintendents, and other educational leaders.

The Brentwood Union School District is proud to welcome Dr. Samir Noor, who has begun serving as the principal of Pioneer Elementary School. Noor previously served as a vice principal at Heritage High School and was recognized as a 2025 ACSA Region 6 Co Administrator of the Year. His prior experience also includes serving as a middle school vice principal and a fifth-grade teacher in Pittsburg. Noor holds a master’s degree from San Diego State University and a doctoral degree from UC Davis. A former English learner who speaks Farsi, Noor is known for his strong work ethic, communication skills, approachability, organizational skills, and hands-on leadership style, and BUSD is excited to have him as part of the leadership team.