Dr. Karina Gerger, the current principal at Pennekamp Elementary School, has been nominated to be the new principal at Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach. She is expected to be confirmed at Wednesday night's school board meeting.

According to Manhattan Beach Unified School District Superintendent Mike Matthews, Gerger 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.

Gerger is poised to replace Ben Dale, who is retiring after 11 years at Mira Costa.

Gerger began her career in MBUSD back in 2004 as the English Learner (EL) Coordinator. She then became a BTSA (Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment) coordinator, mentoring teachers across the South Bay, and taught 5th grade at Pacific Elementary before moving into the role of MBUSD Teacher on Special Assignment for 21st Century Teaching and Learning. She served as assistant principal at both Manhattan Beach Middle School and Mira Costa High School. For the last four years, she has been principal of Pennekamp Elementary School.

Gerger obtained her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Riverside, her master's in education at Grand Canyon University, and her doctorate of education in educational leadership from California State University, Long Beach.

“We are absolutely thrilled to recommend Dr. Gerger as the next principal of Mira Costa High School," said Matthews in a statement. "I have worked closely with Dr. Gerger since 2010, and I am confident she is the right person for the job. Dr. Gerger has been an MBUSD employee since 2004. Her collaborative and supportive leadership style has strengthened every school community she has served. She has a lifelong love of learning and teaching, and is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the Mira Costa High School community.”

Gerger said that she is honored to return to Mira Costa as principal.

“It is an absolute honor to be selected as the next Mira Costa High School principal and to follow Dr. Ben Dale who has given his ALL to Costa for the last 11 years," said Gerger in a statement. "Pennekamp Elementary has been my heart and soul for the last four years and I will truly miss the incredible students, staff and community who have been a part of that journey. I look forward to being a Mira Costa Mustang again and for all the adventures ahead. Go Costa!"