Teachers endorse 3 school candidates The...

Teachers endorse 3 school candidates

The Newport-Mesa Federation of Teachers has endorsed three

candidates for the upcoming Newport-Mesa Unified School board

election: incumbents Judy Franco and Serene Stokes and challenger Tom

Egan, who is facing Wendy Leece.

The federation made the decision to endorse candidates because

this is the first election in a decade with three contested seats.

For the first time, the group backed Franco, who is running against

Shelby Cove.

“We recognize the value of experience,” group President Linda Mook

said. “Franco has provided leadership and vision through many of the

district’s challenges over the years. She has in-depth knowledge and

an incredible network that she can draw on to get things done locally

and throughout the state.”

Egan has proven himself by his participation on park and library

boards and helping Westside schools, she said.

“Tom has been in the schools learning first-hand what happens in

the classroom,” Mook said. “That impresses teachers.”

Stokes’ strong educational background and experience on the board

won over the group.

“She is a strong student advocate and has contributed to the

district’s resurgence in academics by supporting pay increases for

teachers, accountability and professional development programs,” Mook

said.

The decision to back candidates came after researching and

interviewing all the contenders and a debate among members of the

federation’s Committee on Political Education.

Ensign teacher given TV by Explorers

An Ensign Intermediate School teacher got an electronic upgrade

Wednesday from Newport Beach Explorers.

Explorers Post 1050, part of the junior component of the Newport

Beach Police Department, donated a TV with a built-in DVD and VCR to

John Weber, who hosts the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program in

his classroom.

The 15 explorers saw the poor reception Weber’s equipment provided

and chose to donate a portion of their hard-earned money to bring him

into the modern age of electronics, said Lloyd Whisenant,

environmental services officer.

“It’s just a way of giving back to the community,” he said.