Letter to the Editor -- Roger Alford
Mike Fine, the Newport-Mesa Unified School District director of
finance, has served this area tirelessly for the past 10 years (“School
official decides to leave Newport-Mesa,” Thursday).
I am taking this opportunity to thank Fine for the excellent personal
commitment and the service he has provided. The public does not know how
dedicated the employees of schools and cities are. Fine is a leader in
this area using his skills and time to keep the school board and all of
the district’s volunteer committees informed about the intricacies of
school finance requirements.
Fine and I started with the district about the same time -- Fine as
the assistant finance director and myself as a volunteer of the first
Budget Advisory Committee.
Mine was a learning experience. Fine was attending all of the late
evening meetings and bringing all of us civilians up to speed.
Over the years, there have been many committees that Fine has
attended; I am positive these have been after-hour meetings that have
informed many participating volunteers. These committee meetings are in
addition to daily functions of the district’s financial management and
attendance at frequently contentious late-night school board meetings.
You, the public could say it’s part of the job; but how many after-hour
meetings do you attend for your employer?
The Daily Pilot’s article mentioned many of the district’s problems
and opportunities over the last 10 years.
The most positive is the passing and implementation of the school bond
to rebuild our schools. Fine has served us, the parents and citizens, of
the district so well, it’s difficult to express all of my appreciation.
Thanks Mike Fine for everything. My best to him and his family.
ROGER ALFORD
Newport Beach
All the latest on Orange County from Orange County.
Get our free TimesOC newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Daily Pilot.