INSIDE THE DISTRICT Here are some of...

INSIDE THE DISTRICT

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

board meeting:

SECOND PERIOD INTERIM REPORT

Paul Reed, assistant superintendent of business services for the

district, presented the 2002-03 Second Period Interim Report to the

school board. The first report, which the board had already approved,

covered the budgetary status of the district through Oct. 31. The

second report, which the board approved Tuesday, covers the period

ending Jan. 31.

The purpose of the report, required by the state twice a year, is

to raise awareness of financial obligations during the fiscal year,

including reserve requirements that the district may not be able to

meet.

The report revealed that Newport-Mesa, according to all available

information at this time, meets the state’s standards and criteria

for fiscal stability and also projects future stability as well,

despite the state budget crunch.

WHAT IT MEANS

The board voted to approve the report and expressed its gratitude

to the district for maneuvering its way through this fiscal turmoil

in a manner that has allowed it to avoid the mass layoffs other

districts have experienced. Although the district does anticipate it

will have to closely regulate and restrict spending over the next few

years, Newport-Mesa said it believes it will be able to maintain its

functionality.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS MONTH

To involve schools and students in different activities and

programs during a designated month, as the California State Board of

Education suggests, the school board approved the proposal to

designate April 2003 Public Schools Month.

The observance of this designation is sponsored by the Free and

Accepted Masons of California. The theme of the month is “Public

Schools -- Great Places to Grow.”

WHAT IT MEANS

April 2003 will be designated Public Schools Month, to focus on

supporting public education.

-- Compiled by Christine Carrillo