Meet Dr. Michael Matthews

Dr. Michael Matthews is the Superintendent of the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD). He began his leadership role with the district on July 1, 2022. With a career in public education spanning more than 35 years, Dr. Matthews is committed to building upon the district’s long history of academic and organizational excellence through a focus on effective teaching and student achievement both inside and outside of the classroom. 
 
Dr. Matthews’ career in public education includes both teaching and administrative experience. He was previously the superintendent of the Manhattan Beach Unified School District for eleven years. Under Dr. Matthews’ leadership, Manhattan Beach successfully implemented a myriad of strategic educational initiatives, professional development activities, and community partnerships.

Before leading Manhattan Beach, Dr. Matthews was the assistant superintendent of human resources in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, where he also enjoyed leading for eleven years as a high school principal. He first launched his career teaching social studies to high school students.
 
Dr. Matthews holds his doctorate in educational and institutional management from Pepperdine University and his masters in education and bachelors in international relations from Stanford University. He has served as an adjunct professor at California State University, Northridge, and California State University, Long Beach.
 
Away from work, Dr. Matthews resides locally with his wife Jill. Together, they have two adult sons—Ryan and Dawson. He enjoys spending time with his family, writing, bicycling, swimming, golfing, and cooking.