Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) is pleased to announce the selection of Ms. Kari Adams as a special education director focused on elementary and early learning.

Adams has more than 15 years of experience in education, including more than a decade serving NMUSD students, families, and staff. She began her career with the district in 2010 as a special education teacher at Eastbluff Elementary School and later served as a teacher on special assignment before becoming a special education coordinator, a role she held for eight years. As coordinator, she oversaw special education programs and services, supported schools and staff, and worked closely with families to meet the needs of students with disabilities. She also led the district’s Extended School Year program, overseeing instructional programming, staffing, and operations.

Most recently, Adams served as director of the Inclusive Leadership Center at Chapman University’s Thompson Policy Institute, where she led initiatives focused on preparing current and future school leaders to build inclusive educational systems. Her work included developing professional learning for school administrators, teachers, and staff; supporting strategic planning; and advancing evidence-based practices designed to improve outcomes for students with disabilities and other learners.

Known for her collaborative, student-centered leadership, she builds trusting relationships with staff, families, and school leaders. Her approachable communication style, patience, and focus on solutions help bring teams together to support student success.

Throughout her career, Adams has focused on inclusive practices, collaboration, and building educator capacity to support the needs of all students. Her return to NMUSD combines her longstanding knowledge of the district and the community with a broader perspective and expertise gained through her recent work in higher education. She will begin her new role as special education director on September 28, 2026.