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Clockwise: Joe Erven, Christy Flores, Jason Kuncewicki and Stacy de Boom-Howard

Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) announces the appointments of Christy Flores as Director of Engagement, Partnership and Expanded Learning; Stacy De Boom-Howard as Principal of Davis Magnet School; Dr. Joe Erven as Principal of Adams Elementary School; and Dr. Jason Kuncewicki as Principal of California Elementary.

“Newport-Mesa is fortunate to attract dedicated, top-notch candidates, and I’m proud to not only welcome such amazing new administrators to our team, but also continue to see our current staff flourish in new roles,” said Superintendent Dr. Wesley Smith.

Christy Flores

Christy Flores, Director of Engagement, Partnership and Expanded Learning

A 20-year veteran of NMUSD, Mrs.Christy Flores was selected as the recipient of the U.S. Department of Education Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding Leadership in 2021. That same year, she led Davis Magnet School to recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School. After twice achieving gold status, the school was recognized with platinum status in the statewide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports program in 2022. 

While principal at Davis, Flores built positive partnerships with the community, creating enrichment opportunities that allowed students hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering, the arts, mathematics and athletics in collaboration with such organizations as Project Hope Alliance, Hoag Hospital and the County of Orange. 

In her new role as Director of Engagement, Partnership and Expanded Learning, Flores will provide collaboration, coordination and support of student programs at the district level, addressing and mitigating barriers to learning for all students. She will also oversee the Expanded Learning Opportunity Program, as well as community engagement and partnerships. 

Flores earned her Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies, as well as her multiple subject teaching credential, from California State University, Chico, and her Master of Arts in educational leadership from Chapman University. She will begin her new position on June 13, 2023. 

Stacy de Boom-Howard

Stacy de Boom-Howard, Principal of Davis Magnet School

Stacy de Boom-Howard grew up in the NMUSD community, as a student attending Woodland and Kaiser Elementary Schools, Ensign Intermediate, and Newport Harbor High School. She then served as a teacher at Pomona Elementary and a principal at Paularino and Adams Elementary Schools. She also served as a Teacher on Special Assignment and Principal on Special Assignment, supporting NMUSD’s many programs, including GATE, music, math and science.

A strong believer in educating the whole child, de Boom-Howard concentrates on engaging students through high-quality academic instruction, arts programming, and social/emotional supports. At Adams, she oversaw the partnership with Segerstrom’s Art Teach Programs and brought arts programming to all students and families. She also partnered with Harper for Kids, teaching students UCLA Coach John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success, which focuses on achieving your personal best through such personal traits as hard work, enthusiasm, self-control, determination, team spirit and confidence. De Boom-Howard also worked closely with PTA and collaborated to increase participation both at events.

“In addition to guiding students through top-notch academics, supporting them to foster positive friendships and have an incredible elementary experience has always been a high priority for me,” she said.

De Boom-Howard received her Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies from Chico State University and her Master of Arts in cross-cultural curriculum instruction. She earned her multiple subject teaching credential from National University and her administrative services credential from the University of California, Irvine. She will take the reins at Davis on July 1.

Joe Erven

Dr. Joe Erven, Principal of Adams Elementary School

 After serving for three years as Executive Director of Innovation and Excellence at Orange Unified School District (OUSD), Dr. Joe Erven will be returning to what he feels is his calling: the role of principal at Adams Elementary. 

“The work I did as an executive director was critical to the success of OUSD’s programs, but every time I visited a school site, I would get homesick and miss working directly with staff and students to increase their achievements. I would miss the close collaboration with my school community,” Dr. Erven said. “I am thrilled to return to where my passion lies with Newport-Mesa,” he said.  

He began his career as a science teacher before serving as a middle and high school assistant principal, then as principal for a K-8 magnet school. At McPherson Magnet School, Dr. Erven addressed a lack of arts education by building dance, music, drama and visual art programs. He also created Career Technical Education pathways, developed comprehensive STEM lab spaces, and increased SBAC scores by 20 percent in language arts and 14 percent in mathematics. 

Dr. Erven earned his Bachelor of Science degree in zoology, with a minor in chemistry, from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona; his Master of Science in educational administration from National University, La Jolla; and his doctorate in educational administration from San Diego State University. He obtained his secondary teaching credential in biology, chemistry and general science with CLAD certification from California State University, Fullerton, and his Clear Administrative Services credential from National University. Dr. Erven begins his tenure at Adams on July 1, 2023. 

Jason Kuncewicki

Dr. Jason Kuncewicki, Principal of California Elementary

Known for his passion for making a positive impact in the lives of students, Dr. Jason Kuncewicki began his career as a special education teacher in the same elementary school he attended as a young student. He spent six years as an elementary teacher in the Magnolia School District before becoming an assistant principal in the Bellflower Unified School District and assistant principal  principal in the Buena Park and Westminster School Districts. 

Dr. Kuncewicki served as Director of Human Resources at Westminster School District and, most recently, as Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, for Centralia Elementary School District. He now brings his 27 years of experience in public education to his new position as principal of California Elementary School.

“Dr. Kuncewicki looks at the challenges of leadership as opportunities rather than difficulties, with a proactive approach to solutions,” said Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources Leona Olson. 

Though he was instrumental in building policies and procedures at the district level for the benefit of students, parents and staff, his heart is at the site level, where he feels he can directly foster the academic and social growth of students. “I am committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment that promotes academic excellence and personal growth for all students. I believe in the importance of establishing strong relationships with students, families and staff, as well as in fostering a culture of collaboration, trust and respect,” Dr. Kuncewicki said. 

Dr. Kuncewicki earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies, creative writing from California State University, Long Beach; a master’s degree in educational administration from Azusa Pacific University; and a doctorate degree in urban educational leadership from the University of Southern California (USC). He earned his multiple teaching credential, with CLAD emphasis, from National University and his administrative credential, tiers I and II, from Azusa Pacific University. He will begin his new role on July 1, 2023.