Costa Mesa : Hernandez Expected to Be Named Principal

Costa Mesa High School may get a new principal today.

The Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s trustees are expected to vote on a recommendation to appoint a 19-year veteran school administrator to the school’s top post.

Andrew Hernandez, principal at Santa Barbara High for three years, was recommended for appointment Monday by district Supt. Mac Bernd.

If the appointment is approved, Hernandez will succeed Ed Harcharik, who resigned to become director of pupil personnel for Paramount Unified School District in Los Angeles County.

Hernandez, whose new job would begin Sept. 18, was previously with the Santa Ana Unified School District as principal and assistant principal at Santa Ana High. He also has served as assistant principal at Saddleback High.

The trustees also will appoint eight members to two-year terms on the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee, the 16-member panel that reviews the district’s budget and finances. There are 27 candidates for the open slots.

In addition, the trustees will consider restoring five programs that were eliminated last year in the wake of Orange County’s December bankruptcy filing.

The programs, which cost $590,880, include buying classroom and library materials, paying for transportation for athletic activities and providing funds for extracurricular activities.

Trustees also will discuss the possibility of televising school board meetings.

The school board’s 7 p.m. meeting will be at the Harper Community Center, 425 E. 18th St., Costa Mesa.