TeWinkle Middle principal Dipali Potnis to head up Costa Mesa High School

TeWinkle’s principal is heading off to Costa Mesa High School.

The Newport-Mesa Unified School District announced the appointment of Dipali Potnis as principal of Costa Mesa High School on Thursday, with Potnis to replace current principal Jacob Haley, who will in turn become principal of Corona del Mar High.

According to the district, Potnis has been principal at TeWinkle Middle School for the last five years but worked previously in the Capistrano Unified School District before coming to the Newport-Mesa Unified School District as an assistant principal and high school activities director. Prior to that, she was an instructional coach and teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

“Dr. Potnis has the experience to meet the challenges of being the principal of a comprehensive high school,” said Kerrie Torres, assistant superintendent of secondary education, in a statement announcing Potnis’ appointment. “Her track record shows she is a collaborative leader focused on student opportunity and achievement.”

Potnis will move into her position in July.

Haley moves to Corona del Mar High after nearly a decade as principal at Costa Mesa High. Haley will replace outgoing Principal Joshua Hill, who will be leaving the district after just two years to lead Temescal Valley High School in Lake Elsinore, where Hill’s two daughters attend.

“I love it here. I would’ve stayed here the rest of my career,” said Hill. But, he said that he wanted to spend more time with his children.

District officials confirmed that they are in the process of determining who will head up TeWinkle Middle School in the coming school year.

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