Pennekamp Elementary Has A New School Principal

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA —Pennekamp Elementary has a new principal. The Manhattan Beach Unified School Board appointed Sharon Witzansky to the post at the June 23rd meeting.

Witzansky emerged as the top candidate following a paper screening and panel interview by teachers, classified employees, administrators, and parents, as well as interviews with the Superintendent and cabinet. She will be replacing Dr. Karina Gerger, who is moving on to be the new principal of Mira Costa High School following Dr. Ben Dale’s departure.

Witzansky joined the Manhattan Beach Unified School District in 1999 and has taught at the elementary level in grades kindergarten, one, three, and five. She has also served as a Teacher on Special Assignment as an Elementary Support Specialist. For the last four years, she has been the elementary assistant principal at Grand View and Pacific Elementary Schools.

Witzansky obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount and her Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction at Chapman University.

“We are thrilled to recommend Sharon Witzansky as the next principal of Pennekamp Elementary School. Her combination of elementary teaching and leadership experience makes her incredibly well-qualified for the position. She is a strong communicator, a caring and warm educator, and a consummate team player,” Dr. Michael Matthews, Superintendent, said in a statement.

Witzansky is thrilled to join Pennekamp as Principal, “I am incredibly honored to continue doing the good work of Dr. Karina Gerger and to immerse myself into the Pennekamp community," she said in a statement.