The Newhall School District (NSD) announced Thursday that Ken Hintz, the principal of Old Orchard Elementary, would be taking over as head of the district’s human resources department, as well as revealing fellow NSD teacher Daria Ramirez would be assuming his former principal role.

Old Orchard Elementary Principal Ken Hintz has been selected for the position of director of human resources for the Newhall School District, according to a Thursday statement from the NSD. This role provides crucial leadership to the district and it’s teachers, staff, and administrators, officials said Thursday.

“His experience and commitment to student success is unparalleled. He has been an advocate for children and works tirelessly to ensure all students are able to achieve high levels. I have no doubt that he will continue to do so in his new position while also inspiring his peers to achieve their highest potential,” said Newhall School District Superintendent Jeff Pelzel. “We look forward to watching him in this new role and learning from his extensive experience.”

Hintz has served as the principal of Old Orchard Elementary since 2015, and was the principal of Valencia Valley for five years prior. He also served as an assistant principal at Stevenson Ranch and Peachland during his first few years as a site administrator. Before becoming an administrator, Hintz taught in the Newhall School District at Wiley Canyon in fourth, fifth and sixth grades.

“I am excited to continue serving the district and our students in this new capacity. The Newhall School District is a unique place, made up of incredible educators and students all working toward a common goal: student success,” said Hintz. “I look forward to the difference, that together, we will make in the lives of our students.”

Hintz’s experience as an administrator and an NSD teacher is especially valuable for his new role presiding over the Human Resources Department. In this role, he will provide leadership to the administrators, teachers, and staff in the district, according to the district.

Replacing Hintz as the new principal of Old Orchard Elementary School is fellow educator Daria Ramirez. This role provides crucial leadership for Old Orchard Elementary School’s teachers, staff, students and their families, district officials said.

“Ramirez’s experience and passion for continuing to collaborate with NSD teachers, parents, and students, will aid her well in carrying forward our tradition of excellence,” said Pelzel. “We look forward to working alongside her and benefiting from the wealth of knowledge she brings.”

Ramirez began her career in education 20 years ago as a teacher’s assistant in Los Angeles Unified School District. She then came to NSD as a classroom teacher, where she taught for 10 years in third, fourth and sixth grades.

Ramirez also served as a teacher on special assignment, a district writing trainer and on various district committees. She then went on to become an assistant principal for four years at Old Orchard, Valencia Valley and McGrath. Ramirez is currently the administrator who oversees Distance Learning Academy 2, “Soar”.

“Student success always has been, and will remain, at the center of my focus,” said Ramirez. “I believe that embracing diversity is a key to achieving our greatest potential and I am eager to work alongside the teachers and staff at Old Orchard Elementary to ensure that we are setting our students up for success now, and as they continue through their educational careers.”

Ramirez holds student equity at the center of her practice and strives to serve all students, staff, and families of NSD with sincerity and integrity, district officials said.

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