Governor signs education reform package

Teachers and district officials in the Newport-Mesa Unified School

District negotiated an agreement for two state programs in the nick of

time.

Gov. Gray Davis on Wednesday signed an education reform package that

improves conditions for the state’s teachers. For Newport-Mesa educators,

it means more money for new teachers, a long-awaited peer assistance and

review program and a tax break on their out-of-pocket expenses.

The tax credit will work on a sliding scale with teachers receiving

between $250 to $1,500 -- with beginning teachers receiving the lowest

amount, said Linda Mook, president of the Newport-Mesa Federation of

Teachers.

The purpose of Davis’ education reform package is to attract and

retain more quality teachers in the profession.