The Newberg School Board selected Kym LeBlanc-Esparza to serve as the district’s next superintendent via unanimous vote at a special meeting held Tuesday.

The board approved a three-year contract for the LeBlanc-Esparza, who currently serves as the executive director of K-12 schools for 43,000-student Adams 12 Five Star Schools in suburban Denver.

LeBlanc-Esparza succeeds Paula Radich, who will retire at the end of June.

“It is a great honor to have been chosen to lead the Newberg Public Schools,” LeBlanc-Esparza said. “There is such a great pride and respect for the schools and educators in this community. This district already has many great things in place for kids. I look forward to getting to know the people in the community and working directly with the educators in the schools.”

LeBlanc-Esparza received her undergraduate degree from New Mexico State University - Las Cruces, holds a masters degree in administration and curriculum from the University of Texas - Odessa, and earned her doctorate in educational leadership and applied statistics at the University of Northern Colorado - Greeley.

In her current position, LeBlanc-Esparza leads and supervises K-12 principals in the Northglenn, Colo., district, including comprehensive high schools, middle and elementary schools, magnet schools and alternative education campuses.

Prior to joining Adams 12 to direct advanced academic services, LeBlanc-Esparza served as principal for a K-8 magnet school. She began her education career teaching elementary school, math and science.

Seth Gordon, Newberg Graphic