Lincoln Elementary families in Corona del Mar will have a new principal greeting students when school opens Monday, August 17.

Newport-Mesa Unified School District announced Wednesday, July 22, that Susan Ungaro will lead the K-6 campus at 3101 Pacific View Drive. Ungaro brings more than 20 years in public education, with a background in STEM instruction and school improvement.

"We are excited to welcome Ms. Ungaro to our District and the Lincoln Elementary School community," said Socorro Shiels, NMUSD's assistant superintendent of achievement, innovation and continuous improvement. Shiels cited Ungaro's focus on academic results and innovative teaching as reasons the district chose her for Lincoln.

Before becoming a principal, Ungaro held several leadership posts in the Fullerton School District: assistant principal at Rolling Hills and Acacia elementary schools, program specialist, and teacher on special assignment for innovation and instructional support. In those roles she led districtwide professional development, expanded STEM learning opportunities, and supported instructional technology initiatives, according to the district's announcement.

Lincoln Elementary enrolled 336 students in grades K-6 as of the 2023-24 school year. The school also served as the sole site for NMUSD's Summer Learning Program, which ran June 15 through July 10 for students in grades TK-5.

Ungaro's hire is part of a broader leadership shuffle across the district. NMUSD also named Dr. Jennifer Fox as principal of Ensign Intermediate School, Dr. Kevin Astor at Newport Harbor High School, and Cindy Pedroso at TeWinkle Middle School.

What Lincoln families need to know

Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is already open through NMUSD's online portal at newportmesausd.aeries.net/enrollment. Teachers report for prep and staff development August 10-14, and the first day of school for all TK-12 students is Monday, August 17. The district is also hosting a Back to School Kickoff Expo on Saturday, August 1, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Families with questions about Lincoln-specific registration events should contact the school directly at 3101 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar.