NEWPORT-MESA SCHOOL BOARD PREVIEW

Here are some items the board will consider tonight:

MEASURE A UPDATEWith the construction being paid for by the $282-million Measure F bond set to begin in the coming months, Measure A — the previous bond that voters passed in 2000 — is nearing completion. At tonight’s meeting, McCarthy Building Companies, the firm that is overseeing Measure A, will give a presentation on the bond’s progress during the last two quarters.

WHAT TO EXPECT

According to Deputy Supt. Paul Reed, who oversees Newport-Mesa’s business side, the report should be pretty routine. Every school has now completed its major Measure A work, and the remaining tasks are mostly of the cleanup variety. Reed predicted that the bond work should be finished by early next year.

“We’re at the wrap-up stage,” he said

UNITED WAY CAMPAIGNEvery year, employees of the Newport-Mesa district have raised money for Orange County’s United Way, a charity that provides assistance to programs throughout Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. During the last five years, Newport-Mesa’s fundraising total has grown steadily, from $25,828 in 2001 to $43,136 last year.

On Friday, Newport-Mesa will start its yearly campaign with a kick-off breakfast and continue to solicit funds through Nov. 17. Newport-Mesa employees make private contributions to the cause. At tonight’s meeting, Cathi Pierson, coordinator of the district’s annual United Way campaign, will make a formal presentation.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The district will unite and find a way to raise money.

Compiled by Michael Miller

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Newport-Mesa Unified School District board meeting

WHEN: 7 p.m. tonight

WHERE: District Education Center, 2985-A Bear St., Costa Mesa

INFO: Call (714) 424-5000 or visit www.nmusd.us