INSIDE THE DISTRICT Here are some of...

INSIDE THE

DISTRICT

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

board meeting.

2003-04 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT

Paul Reed, assistant superintendent of business services for the

district, gave a presentation on how Gov. Gray Davis’ revisions to

the state budget, released earlier this month, would affect the

district.

While the exact effects will remain speculative until the budget

gets legislative approval, Newport-Mesa can anticipate a fiscally

tight year ahead.

Having prepared for an overall loss of $4.89 million, about

$75,000 more than the governor proposed in his May revision, the

district’s preparations will aid them through the state’s budget

crisis.

To compensate for the loss of state funds, the district will have

to reduce extra positions and cut back on infrastructural materials,

school maintenance, raises, etc.

Reed will present a budget to the school board for approval in

about a month. The district’s budget will be based on the figures

within the May Revise.

WHAT HAPPENED

The board did not take any action on the presentation, but did

express its dismay at the fiscal future of education across the

state.

CIVILITY POLICY

Barry Barowitz, director of seventh through 12th-grade curriculum

for the district, presented a new board policy, along with rules and

regulations, on civility for approval.

The policy, created by a task force of principals, parents and

district administrators, defines appropriate and civil behavior on

the part of parents, employees and spectators while at school or

district events.

The policy strives to promote mutual respect, civility and orderly

conduct among people within the district and lays out consequences

and procedures for those who display unlawful or uncivil behavior.

WHAT WAS SAID

“I’ve longed for a policy like this that stated from the beginning

what was and was not acceptable behavior,” said Tom Antal, the

principal at Estancia High School and one of the members of the

policy’s task force. “I look forward to a time when this is truly

saturated in the community so people understand what is expected of

them at a Newport-Mesa event.”

WHAT HAPPENED

The board approved the policy and emphasized the importance of

making parents and community members aware of it.

-- Compiled by

Christine Carrillo