Input sought for new principal hire

COSTA MESA — The Newport-Mesa Unified School District is looking for community input on Killybrooke Elementary School’s next principal.

The district is hosting a May 18 forum so that residents can give their take before the district begins the process of replacing Killybrooke Principal Kathy Sanchez.

“Basically, it’s to talk to the community about the attributes and qualities they would like to see in their next school leader,” said district spokeswoman Laura Boss.

All parents, future parents and community stakeholders are invited to voice their expectations, Boss said. A Spanish translator will be on hand, she said.

Sanchez announced earlier in the year that she is retiring at the end of the 2010-11 school year after 11 years in the job. She also served as College Park Elementary School’s principal for five years.

She is the third Costa Mesa elementary school principal leaving their post come June.

Pomona Elementary School’s Principal Stacy Holmes announced he would retire and California Elementary School’s Principal Kelli Smith also notified the district that she would be leaving the school to move to another state with her family.

The district already held forums at the Pomona and California campuses last month.

The forums are the first step in hiring new principals, Boss said.

The district will use the community input to screen résumés and give the information to the committee members who review the applicants, she said.

“We really hope that as many people that can will show up that are interested in the Killybrooke community,” Boss said.

Those who cannot attend can still give their input by contacting Asst. Supt. of Elementary Education Susan Astarita at (714) 424-8959 or by e-mail at sastarita@nmusd.us.

When: 6 p.m. May 18

Where: Multipurpose room at Killybrooke, 3155 Killybrooke Lane, Costa Mesa