MILLENNIUM MOMENT

Linda Mook can sympathize with low-paid Newport-Mesa teachers. She taught

in area schools for 27 years before becoming president of the

Newport-Mesa Federation of Teachers.

“This was my way of sort of rolling up my sleeves and giving back to a

career that I found so satisfying,” Mook said.

Since Mook took the helm at the foundation three years ago, the fiscal

seas have been looking a little smoother. Salaries for area teachers have

climbed, federation membership has doubled, and class sizes have

mercifully shrunk.

Mook says that there is still a long way to go, especially on teacher

salaries, but she sees a bright future for Newport-Mesa students.

MILLENNIUM MOMENT celebrates the people who have made a major

contribution to the Newport-Mesa community during this century.