Principal's Message

Dear BHUSD Community,

I am pleased to announce that Ms. Ontrece Ellerbe has been appointed as the new Principal of Horace Mann Elementary School following the Board of Education's unanimous 4-0 vote of approval. Ms. Ellerbe brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to Educational Excellence, making her an ideal leader for our community.

Ms. Ellerbe has served as Executive Director of the Global Education Academy since 2020, where she worked in close collaboration with Principals across the academy. Preceding this, she dedicated eight years as Principal at Tibby K-8 School and another four years as Principal at George Washington Elementary School. Her foundational years as an elementary school teacher, coupled with extensive leadership experience in elementary education, highlight her dedication to our youngest learners throughout her career. 

The Horace Mann Elementary School motto, Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow, is truly lived by our school community and is exemplified by Ms. Ellerbe. Her leadership style combines warmth with a firm commitment to academic focus, creating an atmosphere that values both achievement and personal growth. Ms. Ellerbe holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from California State, Long Beach, and a Master's in Education from California State, Dominguez Hills. Her academic background showcases her instructional and social-emotional expertise to foster an environment where every student can thrive. 

Ms. Ellerbe shared, "Words cannot express how excited I am to be selected as the new principal of Horace Mann Elementary. As a former student of Horace Mann, it will be an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to pour into a school that once gave so much to me. I look forward to getting to know all of the students, staff, and parents of this great community and to all of the amazing things that we will accomplish together." 

Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Ms. Ontrece Ellerbe as she steps into her new role as Principal of Horace Mann Elementary School beginning July 1st, 2024. I have no doubt that Ms. Ellerbe will bring a fresh and dynamic perspective to every student and staff member. We look forward to the exciting journey ahead under her leadership.

Respectfully,

Dr. Michael Bregy