New Harbor View Principal Named

Harbor View Elementary School is getting a new principal from neighboring Costa Mesa High School, according to the Newport-Mesa Unified School District.

Todd Schmidt, the assistant principal of Costa Mesa High School since 2010, has been selected as the new principal of Harbor View Elementary. Schmidt will replace the position vacated by former principal Charlene Metoyer who retired in August to care for her ailing father. He will be officially appointed at the school board meeting on Tuesday.

In a released statemetnt, district spokeswoman Laura Boss says Schmidt has served as an educator for the last 15 years.

"During his tenure, he has taught every grade level from 4th grade to 12th grade," Boss said. "Mr. Schmidt’s experience also spans to other countries. He taught 4th and 5th grade in Taiwan for two years."

"Todd is an experienced administrator who always displays strong energy, exceptional honesty, and a clear understanding of the teaching and educational process," Phil D'Agostino, principal of Costa Mesa High School, added. "It is my opinion that his experiences make him ready to lead his own school as principal."

The N-MUSD reviewed input received from the Harbor View community regarding the qualities and attributes they wanted to see in their next principal and Boss says it is confident in the selection.

"We believe Mr. Schmidt is a solid match and will continue to carry forward the successes created by the Harbor View staff, students and community," Boss said.

The N-MUSD will immediately begin the process to find a replacement for Schmidt at Costa Mesa High School.