Here are some items the board will...

Here are some items the board will consider on Tuesday:

SPECIAL EDUCATION

At the 4:30 p.m. study session, Paul Goldfinger, a private

consultant from School Services of California, will present an

evaluation of Newport-Mesa’s special education programs.

The cost of special education has escalated in recent years due to

more children being diagnosed with problems, and state and federal

funds cover only a small amount of the total budget.

Goldfinger will discuss the current state of the district’s

special-needs programs and how Newport-Mesa officials can utilize

their available services for maximum effect.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Board members said they did not know what points Goldfinger would

make, but Newport-Mesa has made plans to increase general funding for

special education in 2005-06.

In addition, the district seeks to bring back a number of

services, including speech and physical therapy, which it currently

contracts to outside agencies.

TENTATIVE BUDGET

The board will hear a proposal for a tentative budget for the

2005-06 school year. The presentation will cover general, state and

federal funds.

WHAT TO EXPECT

If the district approves the all-funds-tentative budget, the line

items will stand until the state approves its final budget for the

next fiscal year.

Afterward, the district will have until September to incorporate

any changes into its all-funds-final budget.