NEWPORT-MESA SCHOOL BOARD PREVIEW

New graduation requirements

* What to expect: The school board will consider approving a set of

specific guidelines and standards to govern the new high school

graduation requirements. Last spring, the board approved a new policy

requiring students, beginning with the class of 2003, to perform

community service and to complete a senior project in order to graduate

from high school. The district recommends the board approve the new

guidelines.

Vanguard offers arts facility

* What to expect: Vanguard University is building a performing arts

facility. University officials would like to make the new facility

available to the Newport-Mesa Unified School District to enhance arts in

the community. The school board will consider signing a letter of

agreement with Vanguard making this possible.

Support for proposed arts center

What to expect: The school board will consider sending the Newport Beach

City Council a letter supporting a proposal for an arts and education

center behind the Newport Beach Library. A committee of library trustees

and arts commissioners has proposed a 22,000-square-foot, $12-million

facility that would house an auditorium, reception hall, art gallery,

studios and classrooms. The group asked the school board, at its last

meeting, for a letter of support.

FYI

* WHO: Newport-Mesa Unified Board of Education

* WHAT: Regular meeting

* WHEN: 7 p.m. today

* WHERE: District Education Center, 2985-A Bear St., Costa Mesa