NEWPORT-MESA SCHOOL BOARD WRAP-UP

WHAT HAPPENED: The school board selected the law firm of Kronick,

Moskowitz, Tiedemann & Girard as its bond counsel.

WHAT IT MEANS: If the board decides to put a bond measure before

residents, the attorneys will help in the development and writing of the

bond.

WHAT THEY SAID:

School Board member Wendy Leece wanted everyone to know that she, Dana

Black and Jim Ferryman interviewed many potential bond attorneys. “We

learned a lot -- we still have a lot to learn,” Leece said.

* VOTE: Approved, 7-0

WHAT HAPPENED: The board approved the district’s revised plan for

expelled students.

WHAT IT MEANS: Each year, the district is required to update the

educational plan for expelled students. When the plan was reviewed this

year, the board found the same holes in the plan that have been a problem

in the past. The plan did not adequately cover what to do with seventh-

and eighth-grade students who have been expelled. This year, the district

has added a community day program for those students.

WHAT THEY SAID: “When the ACCESS program for expelled youth began,

there were 112 sites in Orange County with 19,000 students. There are now

more than 28,000,” said Mike Murphy, director of alternative programs for

the district. “That also includes students who didn’t fit into our

comprehensive school model.”

* VOTE: Approved, 7-0

WHAT HAPPENED: The school board approved a resolution that will

allow the district to receive the latest county bankruptcy payment.

WHAT IT MEANS: By approving the resolution, the board has made it

possible for the district to receive about $2 million in settlement

payments from the 1994 Orange County Bankruptcy. The district expects to

receive the funds on Feb. 24. The money will be used to pay off debts

from previous facility repairs and enhancements.

* VOTE: Approved, 7-0

SOUNDING OFF

“We are recommending them as being the best because we feel we can get

the most bang for our buck.”

-- said Wendy Leece, explaining the bond counsel choice to other school

board members.

NEXT MEETINGS:

* Study session at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Newport-Mesa Education Center, 2985-A

Bear St., Costa Mesa.

* Study session at 6 p.m., followed by regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. Feb.

22, Newport-Mesa Education Center 2985-A Bear Street, Costa Mesa.