The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education appointed Antonio M. Shelton, Ed.D., as Superintendent effective July 1, 2023, following a national search. Dr. Shelton brings more than 20 years of experience in education, including 18 in leadership. He previously served as SMMUSD’s Executive Director of Secondary Schools and as Principal of Santa Monica High School. Before joining our district, he held administrative roles in Ohio, including Principal of Indian Hill High School, which ranked among the nation’s top 100 high schools by U.S. News & World Report.

Dr. Shelton is known as an innovative leader who prioritizes equity, collaboration and student success. He has extensive experience mentoring principals, overseeing budgets with transparency and building strong partnerships with staff, families and community groups. In addition to his administrative work, he has taught graduate-level courses in educational leadership, curriculum and social justice at USC and the University of Cincinnati.

As Superintendent, Dr. Shelton is focused on advancing our district’s mission of extraordinary achievement for all students while closing the achievement gap. His priorities include equity for historically marginalized students, expanding project-based and culturally relevant learning, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. He is committed to preparing students for the future through trust, collaboration and a strong, student-centered vision.

Dr. Antonio Shelton
Superintendent

Dr. Steven Richardson
Executive Director, Elementary

Isaac Burgess
Executive Director, Secondary/Malibu Pathway

Sarah Wahrenbrock
Assistant to the Superintendent

Kathy Zurich-Lunsford
Administrative Assistant