Newport-Mesa School District losing another top official

The Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s assistant superintendent of student support services will retire in June after 41 years in education, the district announced Monday.

Ann Huntington has overseen student and community services, special education and health services in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa schools since 2008.

Known for her “kids first” philosophy, Huntington is credited with renewing the district’s focus on special education. She boosted parental involvement in the Special Education Community Advisory Committee with the goal of improving student services, according a news release. And she restarted the committee’s annual celebratory event honoring teachers and staff members who make a difference in children’s lives.

Huntington gained local and state recognition as a top special-education administrator, the district said.

“Huntington’s caring leadership style ... resonates through her staff, the families and the students and is a lasting legacy,” according to the release.

Huntington’s impending retirement leaves yet another hole in the district’s executive ranks. Assistant superintendent Chuck Hinman departed late last year to take the top job at West Covina Unified School District. Last month, the board fired John Caldecott, the executive director of human resources.

Huntington’s salary is $215,372. The board approved a 6% salary increase for the superintendent and five executive cabinet members, including Huntington, in July.

Supt. Fred Navarro is preparing a recruitment plan for Huntington’s post, according to the release.