WHAT HAPPENED:
After much discussion, the school board approved the Elementary School
Counseling Demonstration Program grant, which is part of Project Safe
Connections.
Trustee Wendy Leece objected to the grant proposal for numerous reasons.
She thought it was an invasion of students' home life and not the job of
the school district and that it was unfairly labeling students as "at
risk." Leece also added she believed it was an overreaction to the
Columbine High School tragedy.
WHAT IT MEANS:
The program will bring counseling into elementary schools to identify and
help at-risk students. The program will assist families seeking help for
themselves and their children.
Vote: 6 / 1
IN FAVOR / AGAINST
WHAT HAPPENED:
The new director of special education, Patrick Ryan, was introduced to
the school board. Ryan, who comes from Bassett Unified School District in
La Puente, will begin his Newport-Mesa duties next week.
WHAT IT MEANS:
Ryan will replace Candy Barela, who has been interim director of special
education since Bonnie Swan was promoted to the position of director of
elementary education and kindergarten through sixth-grade curriculum.
WHAT THEY SAID:
"Welcome aboard," said Dana Black, school board president.
Vote: No vote
IN FAVOR / AGAINST
WHAT HAPPENED:
Alan Engard, who has been part of Newport-Mesa schools since he went to
kindergarten here, was named the district's director of information
technology.
WHAT IT MEANS:
After being the interim director for several years, Engard has been
promoted to the permanent post.
WHAT THEY SAID:
"Congratulations, Alan," trustee Judy Franco said.
Vote: No vote
IN FAVOR / AGAINST
WHAT HAPPENED:
The school board approved its summer meeting schedule.
WHAT IT MEANS:
The board canceled its July 25 and Aug. 8 meetings. Trustees will meet
July 11 and then not again until Aug. 22, unless special sessions are
scheduled.
Vote: 7-1
IN FAVOR / AGAINST
NEXT MEETING
7 p.m. July 11 in District Education Center boardroom, 2895-A Bear St.,
Costa Mesa.
