Antonio M. Shelton, Ed.D. Appointment Will Be Effective July 1, 2023
In a late afternoon press release, The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) Board of Education officially announced the appointment of Antonio M. Shelton, Ed.D., as the new superintendent, effective July 1, 2023. The decision was made during the regular meeting on June 1, following an extensive national search that spanned several months. Dr. Shelton brings with him an impressive 23 years of experience in education, including 18 years in various administrative roles.
It goes on the state that Dr. Shelton has been part of the SMMUSD community for the past year, serving as the executive director of secondary schools. Prior to that, he held the position of lead principal at Santa Monica High School for six years. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Shelton has also been involved in teaching instructional improvement for the doctorate program in educational leadership at the University of Southern California (USC).
Additionally, it states that Dr. Shelton is known for his intelligence and innovative leadership style and is dedicated to improving educational outcomes for students. He possesses a deep understanding of the challenges facing TK-12 public education and is committed to finding creative solutions that consider diverse perspectives while prioritizing the needs of all students. Dr. Shelton’s leadership approach emphasizes care, compassion, and fostering a collaborative learning environment where students and staff can reach their full potential.
During his tenure as executive director, Dr. Shelton has provided consistent support, mentoring, and coaching to principals as they work towards realizing the district’s vision and goals. He has also demonstrated expertise in overseeing comprehensive budgets and is committed to sound fiscal stewardship and transparency. Dr. Shelton has been actively involved in working with educational partners and has contributed to negotiations regarding certificated and classified bargaining units.
Before joining SMMUSD, Dr. Shelton served as the principal of Indian Hill High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, a top-ranked school, according to US News, from 2011 to 2016. He also held administrative positions at William Mason High School and Sycamore High School, both in Ohio. Dr. Shelton began his teaching career in 1998, teaching honors courses in history and government. He has also worked as an adjunct teacher and facilitator for graduate-level courses in educational leadership and curriculum development.
“I am truly excited and humbled to serve as superintendent of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District,” said Dr. Shelton. “I want to thank the school board for trusting me to lead this wonderful district. It is an honor to have been chosen to lead a district that is on the move in a positive direction. I envision a journey ahead with collaboration and community built on trust between myself and the educational partners of SMMUSD. I look forward to leading the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District community, its faculty, staff, and students to greater heights.”
Dr. Shelton holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Hampton University, a Master of Arts in Social Studies from Ohio State University, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from the University of Cincinnati, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Kentucky.
Board President Maria Leon-Vazquez expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the search, saying, “Following an arduous national search with the assistance of our consulting firm, Leadership Associates, we reviewed 35 applications and held in-person interviews with top candidates. Dr. Antonio Shelton rose to the top and was selected by the Board. Our communities demand the best, and so does the Board. We welcome Dr. Shelton into his new role as the superintendent for SMMUSD. We are looking forward to him hitting the ground running, leading SMMUSD through the 21st century while planning for the 22nd century.”
In the press release, SMMUSD announced that Dr. Shelton is eager to engage and collaborate with various community supporters and partners, including the Santa Monica-Malibu PTA Council and units, Santa Monica-Malibu Classroom Teachers Association, Service Employees International Union, Santa Monica Education Foundation, Malibu fundraising entities, Santa Monica and Malibu Chambers of Commerce, City of Santa Monica, City of Malibu, law enforcement agencies, and nonprofit organizations serving youth and families.
For more information about Dr. Shelton’s appointment and his vision for SMMUSD, watch his video message at: https://bit.ly/SheltonSuptIntro060123
