Claremont Schools Name Keeler as Superintendent

Supt. Douglas Keeler of the Manhattan Beach City School District has been named superintendent of the Claremont Unified School District. He expects to begin his new $89,500-a-year job by July 1.

Keeler, 45, has been superintendent in the Manhattan Beach district, which has 2,200 students in kindergarten through 8th grade, since 1986.

Keeler, who was recruited for the Claremont post, said he is reluctant to leave Manhattan Beach because he likes his job and there are still things to accomplish in the district, including possible unification with school districts in Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach.

However, Keeler said the opportunity to head a 6,200-student district, including high school grades, is too good to pass up.

Barbara Dunsmoor, president of the Manhattan Beach school board, said the board regrets losing Keeler but understands that the Claremont job “is a marvelous opportunity for him.”