Schools district has state on its side

The Newport-Mesa Unified School District, which previously announced plans to continue honoring the California High School Exit Exam as a graduation requirement, now has the state on its side ? at least momentarily.

On Wednesday, the state Supreme Court stayed an order by an Alameda County Superior Court judge to block the exit exam for the remainder of the school year. Judge Robert B. Freedman had argued that the test discriminated against poor and minority students, but the California Department of Education successfully fought to have his ruling frozen.

During the court battle up north, Newport-Mesa officials had said they would keep treating the exit exam as a requirement for graduation. Supt. Robert Barbot was pleased with the Supreme Court’s call.

“For most of the students, it’s the right decision, so I am generally pleased,” he said. “It will make sure that the 89 to 92% of students who have done well are recognized for that, and it will hold us accountable in the system as a whole, statewide, to make sure those kids who haven’t passed yet will get the remediation they need.”

At last count, 134 Newport-Mesa seniors had not passed the exit exam. Students last took the test in March, and the results from that date are expected later this week.

Newport Harbor High School Principal Michael Vossen, an outspoken supporter of the exit exam, was relieved by the court’s announcement on Wednesday.

“I hope it does stay continually,” he said. “It’s necessary and it needs to be continued. To pull something like that now is definitely going to cause problems.”

Peggy Anatol, Newport-Mesa’s assessment director, was not available for comment.