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clockwise from top left: NMUSD logo, Lorena Rubio, Alice Formaneck and Paula Lytz

 

Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) welcomes Paula Lytz as Coordinator of Student Services, Elementary; Lorena Rubio as Principal of Wilson Elementary School; and Alice Formaneck as Principal of College Park Elementary.

Paula Lytz

Paula Lytz, Coordinator of Student Services, Elementary

With 27 years in education, Lytz has served as a principal, most recently served as principal on special assignment in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Paula facilitated the development and implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) throughout the district. She also refined tiered interventions in reading and math and implemented community-based conflict resolution practices. Lytz, who is bilingual in Spanish, is well-versed in addressing student behavior, including restorative practices, Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS), and crisis intervention and prevention. 

As coordinator, Lytz will serve as a resource in the implementation of MTSS programs throughout the elementary schools in the district. She will work closely with elementary school counselors in their collaborative efforts to support positive student behaviors, wellness and improved outcomes, among other areas of focus.

“Paula Lytz has extensive experience identifying research-based models of support to increase student outcomes and improve students’ academic, social-emotional and mental health. We are excited for her to join the Newport-Mesa team,” said Kerrie Torres, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education.

Lytz previously served as a principal, assistant principal and Spanish teacher across four states. She has received extensive training in bullying prevention, restorative practices, school safety, and crisis prevention and intervention. 

Lytz obtained her Bachelor of Science in Spanish education from Ohio State University and a master’s in educational leadership from the University of Cincinnati. She will join the district on July 1, 2023.

Lorena Rubio

Lorena Rubio, Principal of Wilson Elementary

An NMUSD graduate, Rubio will be returning to the district as a principal. 

Rubio began her career in education at Wilson and Pomona Elementary Schools, then moved to the Santa Ana Unified School District, where she served as an elementary school educator, certificated learning and achievement specialist, assistant principal, and interim principal. Her most recent post was as principal of Orange Unified School District's La Veta Elementary and Jordan Academy, where Rubio led the development of an innovative program that combines Spanish and computer science immersion, with a pathway to secondary schools.

“Experienced, supportive, respectful, collaborative and kind” were words used to describe the desired characteristics of a principal for Wilson Elementary in a recent ThoughtExchange survey, and Rubio exhibits these qualities and more. Known for working collaboratively with staff and parents, she dedicates much of her time, energy and passion to ensuring every student benefits from engaging classrooms and positive environments.

Rubio received an associate’s degree in liberal studies from Orange Coast College; a bachelor’s in liberal studies from California State University, Fullerton; a Master of Arts in education and cross-cultural teaching from National University; and a Master of Arts in educational leadership from Concordia University. She begins her tenure as Wilson’s principal on July 17, 2023. 

Alice Formaneck

Alice Formaneck, Principal, College Park Elementary

Formaneck brings 17 years of experience as an educator to her new role as principal of College Park Elementary, one of two NMUSD elementary schools with a dual immersion program. As interim principal at California Elementary and two years as assistant principal at Whittier Elementary, the district’s other dual immersion school, she has been highly involved in implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, including Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS), and creating a coherent Student Study Team (SST) process. Formaneck also oversaw the district’s summer science and engineering enrichment academy, a program that provides hands-on activities for elementary students throughout the district.

“I am passionate about bringing enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment to my role as a leader, enabling me to better support not only my students and their families, but also the staff at College Park,” Formaneck said.  

Formaneck taught for 15 years at both the primary and upper grade levels. She understands the need for differentiated instructional strategies and supports in order for all students to be successful. As an administrator, she is known for being accessible and a good listener. She is a dedicated educator who is visible; connects with students, staff and parents; builds strong relationships; and promotes a positive school culture. 

In the recent ThoughtExchange survey, participants indicated the new principal should be welcoming, understanding, respectful and a strong communicator who is knowledgeable. During her many years at NMUSD, Formaneck has proven to have these characteristics.

Formaneck obtained her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from San Francisco State University and her master’s degree and reading specialist credential from California State University, Long Beach. She will start at College Park on July 1, 2023.