Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD) is pleased to announce the selection of Mrs. Michelle Brady as principal of Moffett Elementary School and Mr. Jeff Smith as principal of Sowers Middle School.
"Mrs. Michelle Brady and Mr. Jeff Smith embody the core values that define HBCSD,” said Superintendent Dr. Leisa Winston. “With their strong leadership skills, collaborative spirit, and commitment to building positive school communities, we are confident that they will work closely with teachers, staff, and families to create exceptional learning environments for all our students," she said.
Moffett Elementary School
With 25 years of experience in education, 18 of those within HBCSD, Mrs. Michelle Brady was selected as the principal of Moffett Elementary School beginning with the 2024-2025 school year. She is recognized for her organized and thoughtful leadership and ability to build meaningful relationships with students, staff, and community.
She most recently served as assistant principal at Sowers Middle School. Her leadership was pivotal during the school's transition to a new campus, where she effectively implemented innovative processes to support the community. With a focus on student discipline and behavior management, Mrs. Brady has utilized strategies like Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and restorative practices, strengthening a positive culture within the school. Furthermore, she oversees the special education department, test coordination, and provides crucial support for instructional leadership through professional development and teacher support.
Prior to her assistant principal role, she was the 21st-century classroom teacher on special assignment (TOSA). As a TOSA, she planned and facilitated district-wide professional development and implementation of technology integration through training and modeling skills and strategies. Mrs. Brady also taught fourth and fifth grade at Huntington Seacliff Elementary. In addition to her experience in the classroom, she has served on the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Advisory Committee, Directors' Council, and as induction lead mentor, acting as the liaison between the Orange County Department of Education Induction Program and District mentors and candidates.
As a reflective leader with a proven track record of superior work ethic, dedication, and integrity, we are confident that she will lead Moffett Elementary School with excellence.
Mrs. Brady received her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, Administrative Services Credential, and her Master of Science in Educational Leadership from California State University, Fullerton; she also earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from National University and California Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Mrs. Brady will succeed Moffett’s current principal, Mr. Forest Holbrook, who was selected to lead Eader Elementary School beginning this fall.
Sowers Middle School
Mr. Jeff Smith has been appointed as the Principal of Sowers Middle School. Mr. Smith has been an integral part of the Sowers school community, serving as interim principal since fall 2023 and as an assistant principal in HBCSD since 2015.
His extensive experience and dedication to students’ success will ensure the smooth continuation of educational programs and initiatives at Sowers. Mr. Smith is known as a collaborative leader focused on fostering a positive school culture and building community relationships.
Mr. Smith's leadership maintains Sowers's high standards of academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and supportive learning environment. He successfully led the school transition to the new Sowers campus, ensuring that Sowers continued to operate seamlessly. Mr. Smith focused on student wellness, implementing PBIS with a strong emphasis on tier-one support. He also led the School Site Council in establishing improvement plans and safety protocols.
Mr. Smith began his successful 17-year career in education as a teacher. He also served as an elementary school assistant principal in the East Whittier City Elementary School District before becoming an assistant principal at Dwyer Middle School when he first joined the HBCSD team.
Mr. Smith obtained his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of California, Davis; Single Subject Credential in History from California State University, Long Beach; and Master’s in Educational Administration from Concordia University, Irvine.
Mrs. Michelle Brady will continue to provide administrative support through the end of this school year. The hiring process for two assistant principals will be conducted soon.
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