Newport-Mesa Announces New Superintendent

The Newport-Mesa Unified School District received more than 50 applications, held , interviewed six finalists and Friday announced the candidate chosen as the new superintendent.

At a morning press conference at the district office in Costa Mesa, President Dave Brooks announced Fred Navarro -- current superintendent of the Lennox School District and former principal of Costa Mesa High School -- as the man for the schools chief job in Newport-Mesa.

“Dr. Navarro is a dedicated professional who cares deeply about educating all students. His integrity is above reproach, he is accessible, a good communicator and finds ways to get things done," Brooks said. "We believe he will serve our students in an outstanding manner."

Navarro will replace Jeffrey Hubbard, the district's former superintendent who was found to a female employee -- -- while he was superintendent of the Beverly Hills Unified School District. The jury acquitted him of a charge involving another employee, and he went on to .

"He has integrity, he is trustworthy and honest and those are the values he leads from," Trustee Katrina Foley said. "I am confident he will restore faith and trust in our district."

"He has a strong background in curriculum and instruction and has successfully worked with a wide spectrum of schools across achievement levels," Trustee Karen Yelsey added. "Based on input from numerous community meetings I feel confident that Dr. Navarro will move our district forward."

Navarro is expected to start his new post by Aug. 1, Brooks said. He comes to Newport-Mesa with more than 30 years of experience in education.

“Dr. Navarro has a proven track record. I am impressed with Dr. Navarro’s ability to communicate in English and Spanish as well as his understanding and appreciation of diverse communities and the importance of serving all students," Trustee Martha Fluor said. "His engaging leadership style will mesh nicely with the expectations of our parents.”

Since Hubbard was fired in January, the district has been led by who says the school board took its job of finding a new superintendent very seriously.

“Throughout the search process, the Board reflected on the comments received from the community," Barbot explained. "Input received produced several top priorities including a track record of accomplishments, focus on treating all communities the same, student and teacher advocate, integrity and experience, ability to make tough decisions, bilingual, and, a vision for creating new and better opportunities for all students."

Navarro will be formally introduced at the N-MUSD Board of Education meeting Tuesday.

"I am honored to have been named superintendent for the Newport-Mesa Unified School District," Navarro said. "This is an opportunity of a lifetime and I look forward to working alongside the Board of Trustees, the staff and faculty and the parents to ensure that every child succeeds and is prepared to thrive in a 21st Century economy."