Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) announces the selection of Dr. Jennifer Fox as the principal of Ensign Intermediate School, Dr. Kevin Astor as the principal of Newport Harbor High School, and Mrs. Cindy Pedroso as the principal of TeWinkle Middle School. 

Dr. Jennifer Fox, Principal, Ensign Intermediate School 

Dr. Jennifer Fox has been selected as the principal of Ensign Intermediate School, starting her new role on July 1, 2026. She brings more than 20 years of educational experience and a deep understanding of the Ensign community. 

She previously served as Ensign's assistant principal from 2017 to 2020 and as interim principal during the 2020-21 school year, providing instructional leadership to expand student supports and opportunities, including AVID Excel, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), Career Technical Education (CTE) exploration, and access to rigorous coursework. She also oversaw guidance services, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), campus support systems, and schoolwide literacy initiatives. 

Dr. Fox is known for her student-centered leadership approach and is committed to strengthening a positive school culture at Ensign by fostering belonging, connectedness, and strong relationships that support student well-being, engagement, and achievement. She values strong partnerships with families, staff, and the broader school community and believes those relationships are essential to student achievement. 

Since 2021, Dr. Fox has served as assistant principal at Newport Harbor High School, where she has helped strengthen student achievement, improving success in A-G completion, English learner reclassification, and academic outcomes while advancing programs such as AVID, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, CTE, dual enrollment, arts education, and student support services. 

Her knowledge of the District and experience in secondary education, combined with her deep involvement in the Newport Harbor Zone, position her well to help students thrive during these important transitional years and prepare for the opportunities ahead. 

Dr. Kevin Astor, Principal, Newport Harbor High School 

Dr. Kevin Astor will serve as the new principal of Newport Harbor High School starting on July 1, 2026. He brings more than 30 years of educational experience in secondary education and at the district level, most recently serving in the Orange Unified School District.

Dr. Astor has previously served as principal of University High School in Irvine Unified School District for nine years and led Capistrano Valley High School and Orangeview Junior High School. Throughout his career, he has championed instructional excellence, collaborative leadership, and continuous school improvement while fostering strong partnerships with staff, families, and the community. 

Known for his approachable and collaborative leadership style, Dr. Astor prioritizes open communication, trust, and meaningful engagement with students, families, staff, and community partners.

He is fluent in Spanish and brings a deep appreciation for the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and cultures that make the Newport Harbor community a uniquely wonderful school. 

With extensive experience as both a secondary school principal and district administrator, Dr. Astor brings a comprehensive understanding of the systems, resources, and opportunities that enable educators and students to excel. His commitment to academic excellence, effective communication, and strong school communities positions him well to lead Newport Harbor High School into its next chapter. 

Cindy Pedroso, Principal, TeWinkle Middle School 

Mrs. Cindy Pedroso has been selected as the principal of TeWinkle Middle School, starting July 1, 2026. She is an educational leader with 25 years of experience, most recently serving as the principal of Pomona Elementary School since 2019. 

She has led school improvement initiatives focused on student achievement, well-being, and positive school culture. She expanded academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports and worked closely with staff to strengthen instruction and improve student outcomes. Under her leadership, Pomona achieved significant gains in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics, including the highest ELA growth in the district. She also led the implementation of PBIS, MTSS, and AVID, creating systems that helped students build confidence, stay engaged, and achieve at high levels. She brings this experience to TeWinkle, where she will continue to strengthen programs and advance academic excellence. 

Fluent in Spanish, Mrs. Pedroso is known for building strong relationships with students, staff, families, and community partners. She believes that fostering a positive and inclusive school culture is the foundation for student success.

Her expertise in building supportive school cultures, strengthening instructional practices, and creating systems that help students succeed will serve TeWinkle students, staff, and families well. Having served students in the Estancia High School Zone during their foundational elementary years, Mrs. Pedroso brings a unique understanding of how to help students successfully transition to middle school and prepare for high school and beyond.