FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2025
Brookings-Harbor School District is pleased to announce the hiring of Matt Bennett as the next principal of Kalmiopsis Elementary School, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.
Bennett, currently serving as Assistant Principal at Azalea Middle School, was selected following a thorough interview process led by a team of district staff. With a strong background in educational leadership and a commitment to student success, Bennett brings experience and enthusiasm to his new role. Now finishing his 18th year as an educator, he joined BHSD in 2013 where he has been a classroom teacher, coach, and the former Brookings-Harbor Online Academy virtual school coordinator previous to his latest role as Assistant Principal at AMS.
He will succeed longtime Principal Carol Leonard, who earlier this Spring shared that she will be leaving the district at the end of the school year to pursue new opportunities after many years of dedicated service to Kalmiopsis Elementary.
“We are excited to welcome Principal Bennett to this new leadership role and deeply grateful to Carol Leonard for her more than two decades of service to the Bruin community,” said Superintendent Helena Chirinian. “Congratulations to both as they begin exciting new chapters.”
The district will coordinate transition planning between outgoing and incoming principals in the coming weeks to support a smooth start to the 2025-2026 school year.