ON THE AGENDA

Budget public hearing

The school board will hold a public hearing at the start of the

regular school board meeting tonight to give residents the chance to

comment on or ask questions about the tentative budget for the upcoming

school year.

What to expect: If the board hears no concerns or questions from the

audience they will, later on in the meeting, consider adopting the

tentative budget.

Cars dealers donations

In October two board members approached representatives from the group

of car dealerships known as the Harbor Boulevard of Cars who had

expressed interest in helping in possible fund-raising efforts. A plan

was developed in which $50 is set aside for Newport-Mesa schools with

each car sold.

What to expect: Members of the Harbor Boulevard of Cars will formally

announce to school board members tonight the second donation of $50,000.

Of that $50,000, $25,000 is designated for Newport Harbor High School’s

Advancement Via Individual Determination program and the other $25,000

will help pay for an after-school tutoring program for middle school

students at Costa Mesa High School. The group also made the announcement

of this second donation at the Costa Mesa Academic All-Stars breakfast

last month.

Non-teacher salary accord

After extensive negotiations, school district officials and members of

the California School Employees Assn. have reached a tentative agreement,

which the board will vote on tonight.

A request for an additional salary increase to keep their pay

competitive with like districts in Orange County had classified, or

non-teachers and administrators employees, out in force last month.

Hundreds of classified employees attended a school board meeting to show

their support of the union.

What to expect: The tentative agreement would provide an additional 3%

salary increase effective last July. Employees would receive retroactive

pay in the fall. In addition, employees would begin to see the 3% in

their pay as of Friday, July 1. The district also would commit to a 2%

increase next summer.

FYI

* WHAT: Newport-Mesa Unified School Board meeting

* WHEN: 7 p.m. tonight

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