The Manhattan Beach Unified School District has announced the recommendation of Jacqueline O’Sullivan to be the new principal at Robinson Elementary School.

MBUSD Superintendent Mike Matthews will bring the nomination to the school board at its March 14 meeting.

According to district officials, O’Sullivan 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.

O’Sullivan will replace John Jackson, who retired after 12 years of service with the MBUSD. Phil Cott has been serving as interim principal since Jackson left in December.

O’Sullivan is the recipient of the 2011 California Principal of the Year Award. Over the course of her career she has taught elementary school, served as a staff development expert, and has been a school administrator for 14 years in both South Bay and Las Virgenes area schools.

O’Sullivan obtained her bachelor’s degree from State University of New York at Potsdam and her master’s degree in education administration from Loyola Marymount University.

“We are absolutely thrilled Ms. O’Sullivan will be joining our team. She is an excellent match for Robinson and our district," said Matthews in a statement. "She has in-depth experience in our instructional methods and has a proven track record of collaboration and of establishing a positive, student-centered culture at her schools.”

O'Sullivan said, “I am extremely excited to be joining the Robinson School staff and community. I am honored to be a part of the team that supports children in an engaging and collaborative environment."

Robinson Elementary is the smallest elementary school in the district, with an enrollment of just over 400 students. Its recent honors include being named a 2013 National Blue Ribbon elementary school, and a 2014 California Distinguished School.