A 20-year special education veteran will now oversee services for students with individualized education programs at Newport Beach schools after Newport-Mesa Unified School District promoted Dr. Heather Cash to assistant superintendent of Special Services. The district also named Jane Choi principal of Pomona Elementary School, announcing both appointments Wednesday, Aug. 19, the first week of the 2026-27 school year.

Cash's new role puts her in charge of the department that coordinates special education, health services and related supports across the district, including at Newport Harbor High, Corona del Mar High and Ensign Intermediate. She had served as director of Special Education for preschool and elementary since July 2025, expanding co-teaching practices from preschool through high school and fostering partnerships between general and special education staff.

In July 2026, Cash oversaw NMUSD's Extended School Year program, which served more than 350 students with IEPs from preschool through adult transition and included the district's first-ever TK Readiness class for students with IEPs transitioning to general education classrooms.

"Her ability to build relationships, bring people together, and remain focused on what is best for students will serve our District well as she takes on this expanded leadership role," Superintendent Dr. Wesley Smith said in the announcement.

Cash holds a doctorate in education from the University of Southern California, a master's in education administration from California Lutheran University and a bachelor's degree from Pepperdine University.

Choi brings dual-language expertise to Pomona Elementary

Choi, who also has 20 years of experience in public education, takes the helm at Pomona Elementary, an NMUSD campus that serves a multilingual student community and runs programs including AVID, PBIS and a preschool. Since 2017, she worked as an English Language Development teacher on special assignment with NMUSD, helping elementary schools implement dual language programs and evidence-based instructional practices.

She entered school as a multilingual learner who did not yet speak English, an experience she draws on in her work with students and families. Before joining NMUSD, Choi spent nearly a decade with Los Angeles Unified School District as a teacher and categorical program advisor, including as a fourth-grade Korean-English dual language teacher.

Assistant Superintendent Socorro Shiels said Choi knows how to build strong instructional programs while fostering meaningful relationships with families and school communities, and that the district is excited to support her as she begins at Pomona Elementary.