News

Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) announced the appointment of Heather Darrow as the principal of Newport Coast Elementary. She joins the NMUSD team after seven years as principal of Olive Elementary School in Orange. Her administrative experience also includes serving elementary schools within Capistrano Unified School District.

As principal, Darrow has demonstrated a passion and commitment to instructional leadership and a desire to work collectively with staff and parents to make a student’s educational experience positive, memorable and complete. She places high value on open communication and collaboration to foster strong relationships with all stakeholders, ultimately to meet the needs of students. 

Darrow not only has a depth of instructional and curriculum knowledge, but she has also held leadership and training roles in multiple areas including Gifted and Talented Education (GATE), Thinking Maps, and Write from the Beginning. In addition, she had the honor of serving as a Cotsen Art of Teaching Fellow.

“Darrow’s experience, leadership and personable attitude are assets that will benefit not only Newport Coast, but also the district as a whole,” said Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education John Drake. 

Darrow earned two master’s degrees from Concordia University and her bachelor’s from California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). She begins her role at Newport Coast on May 2, 2023.