HBCSD Announces New Sowers Middle School Assistant Principal

Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD) is pleased to announce the selection of Ms. Mary J. Hazlett as the new assistant principal of Sowers Middle School. Ms. Hazlett will assume her new role at the start of the 2026–2027 school year.

Ms. Hazlett brings 28 years of experience in California public education at the site level as a principal, assistant principal, classroom teacher, and student activities director. She most recently served as Principal of Huntington Middle School in the San Marino Unified School District, where she guided school improvement efforts that contributed to the site’s recognition as a 2026 California Distinguished School. Her leadership led to measurable gains in academic achievement, expanded support for English Learners, enhanced special education programming, and the establishment of dedicated student wellness centers.

Ms. Hazlett’s administrative background includes assistant principalships at Huntington Middle School, Agoura High School, and La Cañada High School. She began her career in education as a Social Science teacher and spent 15 years as Activities Director at Glendale High School, bringing a well-rounded perspective to student engagement, school culture, and site operations.

Ms. Hazlett earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Occidental College and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of California, Los Angeles.

“Mary’s commitment to academic excellence and student wellness, and her passion for fostering a positive school culture make her a great fit for Sowers Middle School,” said HBCSD Superintendent Dr. Leisa Winston. “We are confident in the dedicated, student-centered leadership she will bring to the Sowers community.”

Please join us in warmly welcoming Ms. Hazlett to Sowers Middle School and the HBCSD family.