NEWPORT-MESA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD MEETING WRAP-UP

* Compiled by Deirdre Newman

Here are some of the decisions coming out of Tuesday’s school board

meeting.

MEASURE A UPDATE

WHAT HAPPENED:

Tony Petros, chairman of the Citizens Oversight Committee, let

trustees know that substantial progress has been made in the last few

months. Plans for some schools have been sent to the state architect’s

office.

HOPE SCHOOL READINESS PROGRAM

WHAT HAPPENED:

The district unanimously approved the HOPE School Readiness Program.

HOPE stands for health, opportunities, preparation and education.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The program will increase the number of children entering the school

system who are ready for school. The grant will fund the position of

director of early childhood education, provide parenting classes and

health services to preschool children, and establish the HOPE Readiness

Resource center at Whittier Elementary School. It will also provide for

preschool services for an additional 48 children at Wilson Elementary

School.

WHAT THEY SAID:

“We are the only school district that took a top-down approach,” said

Jane Garland, school readiness facilitator. “We went from public

awareness to program.”

HOW THEY VOTED:

7-0

NEXT MEETING

WHEN: 7 p.m. May 28

WHERE: District headquarters, 2985-A Bear St., Costa Mesa

INFORMATION: (714) 424-5000