The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education approved the appointment of Michelle “Cheli” Nye, Ed.D., as the new principal of Malibu High School at the September 1, 2016 regular meeting.
Dr. Nye comes to SMMUSD from Foothill High School in Tustin, where she served as assistant principal since 2014. Prior to this position she served as assistant principal at North High School in Torrance from 2007 to 2014.
In her recent assignment as assistant principal, Dr. Nye was responsible for student services, including discipline, attendance and counseling, as well as the professional development of teachers. She was also oversaw athletics, arts, testing, teacher evaluations, special education and English language learners.
Dr. Nye began her teaching career in 2000 as a math teacher at North High School, where during her time there she became math department chair and also coached the girls’ freshman/sophomore soccer team.
Dr. Nye is known as an exuberant school leader who is committed to creating a safe and nurturing culture for the school community. Students and parents view her as a caring and thoughtful individual who made decisions based on what is best for students.
“I am honored to be joining the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District as the Malibu High School principal,” Dr. Nye said. “It is with excitement that I hope to continue the tradition of student achievement and excellence by supporting students and staff and fostering an inclusive student-centered environment that inspires students to learn. I am looking forward to growing together as a community in this and upcoming years.”
Dr. Nye holds a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from Michigan State University, a Master of Arts in educational administration from Cal State University, Dominguez Hills, and a received a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Southern California.
She is an active member of the Association of California School Administrators, was involved with the Tustin School Management Association and volunteered for the Junior League of Long Beach.
“Dr. Nye will be a valuable addition to our district leadership team,” Interim Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mark Kelly said. “I would like to congratulate her on her new position and welcome her to SMMUSD.”
Dr. Nye replaces Dr. Brandon Gallagher who left the district in July. Pat Cairns is the interim principal at Malibu High School and will be there until Dr. Nye starts, sometime in October.
