Manhattan Beach Unified School District (MBUSD) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Matthew Horvath as the new principal of Manhattan Beach Middle School (MBMS), effective July 1, 2025. The MBUSD Board of Trustees approved his appointment during the Board meeting on June 18, 2025.

Dr. Horvath brings over twenty-five years of experience in education to his new role. Most recently, he held the position of Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services for Beverly Hills Unified School District. He has extensive leadership experience, having served as a middle school principal for three years and a high school principal for four years in Torrance Unified School District, as well as a high school assistant principal in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.As a longtime South Bay resident, Dr. Horvath is excited about the opportunity to serve within his community. He is eager to collaborate with students, staff, families, and community partners of MBMS. This fall, his daughter will attend Mira Costa, while his younger daughter continues at Hermosa Valley School.

“It is an absolute honor to join the Manhattan Beach Middle School community as your new principal. This is the right place and the right time in my career, a chance to return to the work I love most, serving students, staff, and families during one of the most meaningful stages in education. I’m excited to bring my experience, my heart, and my full commitment to a school and community I care deeply about,” said Dr. Matthew Horvath.

Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment and dedication to student success, staff collaboration, and community engagement. He is passionate and committed to the whole child and the social-emotional well-being of students. 

Dr. Horvath has a strong background in curriculum development and facilitating effective Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). He has held a variety of leadership roles, including serving as Director of Instruction in the Los Angeles Unified School District and Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources in the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District. 

We are grateful to the MBUSD staff and parents/guardians who dedicated their time and partnered with us throughout the MBMS principal interview process. 

“We approach hiring with the utmost importance, and it is a thorough and collaborative process that involves the school site community, families, and District staff. We are proud to welcome Dr. Horvath and look forward to his leadership at MBMS. His broad experience and dedication to fostering an inclusive school culture make him an excellent fit for the MBMS community,” said Dr. John Bowes, MBUSD Superintendent.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Dr. Horvath!