NEWPORT-MESA SCHOOL BOARD WRAP-UP

WHAT HAPPENED:

One by one, several parents of Corona del Mar Middle School students

addressed the Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board of Education on

Tuesday with concerns regarding school safety and character education.

The group of parents has been meeting since a choking incident last

spring that nearly took the life of a student and shook the community.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The parents have explored prevention options, education and the law.

They have asked that a study session be scheduled by the board to look

into implementing a stronger districtwide program.

WHAT THEY SAID:

“I have learned that it is not politically correct to talk about

school safety,” a frustrated Cyndie Borcoman told the board. “What I

would like to see is the zero-tolerance program for bullying,

intimidation and assault to be more defined.”

NO VOTE

WHAT HAPPENED:

The school board recognized two Lincoln Elementary School teachers,

Claire Ratfield and Carol Erwin, and the school’s new principal, Barbara

Rothman-Haddock, for having attained National Board certification.

WHAT IT MEANS:

Created in 1987, the National Board is an organization of teachers and

other education stakeholders working to advance the teaching profession

and improve student learning. The organization offers credentials to

teachers who demonstrate high, rigorous standards. While it costs $2,300

for teachers to apply and be assessed, the state provides a $10,000 bonus

to teachers who pass the exams.

NO VOTE

WHAT HAPPENED:

The school board approved spending up to $21,810 for a contract

between the district and Davis Demographics and Planning, the company

that prepares the school’s enrollment projection.

WHAT IT MEANS:

Before approving the agreement, trustee Martha Fluor asked Mike Fine,

the district’s assistant superintendent of business services, how

accurate the projections have been. Despite the reconfiguring of several

classrooms per school this year, Fine said the firm has consistently done

a good job.

VOTE: 7 IN FAVOR / 0 AGAINST

NEXT MEETING

7 p.m. Nov. 28, District Education Center, 2985-A Bear St., Costa

Mesa.