NEWPORT BEACH, COSTA MESA : School District Undergoes Shake-Up

Near the end of his first year in office, Newport-Mesa Unified Supt. Mac Bernd has announced an administrative shake-up that slims top management positions, shifts the focus of the central office toward instruction and leaves both Newport Beach high schools looking for principals.

The shift will eliminate the positions of deputy superintendent, assistant superintendent for business services and coordinator of student services, three jobs vacated recently by personnel changes. They will be replaced by three lower-level positions--directors of elementary and secondary education and community relations--which will save about $20,000.

Bernd said the changes were prompted by the district’s curriculum audit several months ago.

“We’ve tried to focus the attention of the organization more on teaching and learning, and relationships and communication with the district and the community,” he explained Wednesday. Under the new structure, Student Services Director Robert Francy will be promoted to the new position of assistant superintendent for program delivery. Dale Woolley, director of student support and research services, will be the new executive director of planning and program development.

Thomas Jacobson, principal of Corona del Mar High, will be recommended for the post of director of secondary education, but the comparable elementary education slot remains open.

Bernd has not yet selected a director for the new community relations job.

Newport Harbor High Principal Stephen Pavitch will become principal of Sonora Elementary in the fall, replacing Juan de Jesus, who will move to Whittier Elementary as principal.

Bernd said he would immediately launch national searches to fill the two high school openings, and that he expects to name the new principals before school opens in the fall.

In addition, Barbara Harrington, who runs Kaiser Elementary, and Adams Kindergarten Center Principal Hazel Rojas will be switching positions.