District recommends new Davis principal

The Newport-Mesa Unified School District has found a new principal for Davis Magnet School, ending a search that began when founding Principal Kevin Rafferty retired in October.

After a nationwide recruitment effort, district administrators recommended that longtime local educator Christy Flores head the Costa Mesa elementary school.

Flores has been an educator in Newport-Mesa for 10 years and works under Davis’ principal as an administrative designee, building the school’s professional learning community, according to a press release from the district.

She was also a member of the founding educational team at Davis where she has worked since 2009.

“Mrs. Flores’ first-hand leadership experiences and in-depth knowledge of Davis Magnet School’s mission, vision and goals makes her an excellent choice,” the district’s Friday release stated.

A plan for her transition will be announced after the school board votes on her appointment at a meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the District Education Center, 2985 Bear St.

Interim Principal Alex Morales has led the school since Rafferty’s retirement.

— Jeremiah Dobruck

Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck