NEWPORT-MESA SCHOOL BOARD WRAP-UP

WHAT HAPPENED:

After much discussion, the school board approved the Elementary School

Counseling Demonstration Program grant, which is part of Project Safe

Connections.

Trustee Wendy Leece objected to the grant proposal for numerous reasons.

She thought it was an invasion of students’ home life and not the job of

the school district and that it was unfairly labeling students as “at

risk.” Leece also added she believed it was an overreaction to the

Columbine High School tragedy.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The program will bring counseling into elementary schools to identify and

help at-risk students. The program will assist families seeking help for

themselves and their children.

Vote: 6 / 1

IN FAVOR / AGAINST

WHAT HAPPENED:

The new director of special education, Patrick Ryan, was introduced to

the school board. Ryan, who comes from Bassett Unified School District in

La Puente, will begin his Newport-Mesa duties next week.

WHAT IT MEANS:

Ryan will replace Candy Barela, who has been interim director of special

education since Bonnie Swan was promoted to the position of director of

elementary education and kindergarten through sixth-grade curriculum.

WHAT THEY SAID:

“Welcome aboard,” said Dana Black, school board president.

Vote: No vote

IN FAVOR / AGAINST

WHAT HAPPENED:

Alan Engard, who has been part of Newport-Mesa schools since he went to

kindergarten here, was named the district’s director of information

technology.

WHAT IT MEANS:

After being the interim director for several years, Engard has been

promoted to the permanent post.

WHAT THEY SAID:

“Congratulations, Alan,” trustee Judy Franco said.

Vote: No vote

IN FAVOR / AGAINST

WHAT HAPPENED:

The school board approved its summer meeting schedule.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The board canceled its July 25 and Aug. 8 meetings. Trustees will meet

July 11 and then not again until Aug. 22, unless special sessions are

scheduled.

Vote: 7-1

IN FAVOR / AGAINST

NEXT MEETING

7 p.m. July 11 in District Education Center boardroom, 2895-A Bear St.,

Costa Mesa.