Ahrens has served as the MBMS vice principal for the last four years. She has been deeply involved with many of the curricular and social-emotional initiatives at the school, including development of professional learning communities for teachers, MBMS inclusion efforts, restrictions on the use of technology, and new discipline policies. Prior to becoming an administrator at MBMS, Ahrens had worked for the district as a literacy specialist and, prior to that, as an elementary teacher for 13 years.

“I strongly believe that Mrs. Ahrens embodies the characteristics of a leader that have been shared with us through the feedback we have received from the MBMS community. I am proud of the progress that MBMS has made over the last several years, and I love that Mrs. Ahrens has been an integral part of that progress," said Matthews in a statement. "Her transition into the principal position will provide a strong sense of continuity for this momentum at MBMS and will provide opportunities for more growth in the future.”

Said Ahrens: “I am thrilled for this opportunity to be the principal at Manhattan Beach Middle School. The enthusiasm for learning that surrounds me each and every day is inspirational. The campus buzzes with an energy from our eager students to our dedicated team of professionals, teachers and support staff, alike. I am grateful and proud to be part of this learning community.”

MBUSD will fill the resulting vacancy in the vice principal position for this year with an interim administrator, and will conduct a search for the permanent replacement of vice principal in the spring.