ON THE AGENDA

Governor’s Reading Award Program

On May 17, Gov. Gray Davis announced the 400 out of 700 public schools

from 51 counties in the state that will each receive $5,000 in cash

awards, as part of his new reading incentive program.

What to expect: The school board will honor 10 of Newport-Mesa’s

elementary schools as winners of the inaugural Governor’s Reading Awards

Program.

Each student at Adams, California, Davis, Harbor View, Kaiser, Newport,

Newport Heights, Paularino, Rea and Whittier elementary schools read more

than 1,000 pages. Each student at Davis, Newport and Whittier schools

read more than 2,000 pages this year.

Repair and replacement grant

The board is being asked by district staff to adopt a copy of the

facility repair and replacement program that is broken down into an

easier-to-read format. The only change in the document from when it was

approved as part of the order for a school bond election is the addition

of the definition of “maintenance.” It would now match the wording in

education codes, said Mike Fine assistant superintendent in charge of

finances.

What to expect: The board is expected to approve the revision.

Class-size reduction for lower grades

The school board will consider authorizing schools to apply for the

kindergarten through third-grade class-size reduction funding. District

staff is uncertain if Newport-Mesa schools are eligible for the money but

wish to give schools the chance to apply.

What to expect: The board is expected to authorize schools to apply for

the funding.

Parent/Teacher Involvement Grants

The Tom Hayden Community-Based Parent Involvement Grant Program allocates

up to $40,000 for a school to contract with nonprofit community-based

organizations, to provide training to enhance and promote parent and

guardian involvement in their children’s education.

What to expect: The board is expected to give five Newport-Mesa schools

the go-ahead to apply for the program.

FYI

* Who: Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board of Education

* What: Regular Meeting

* When: 7 p.m. today

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

* Call: (714) 424-5000 for more information

Dana Black

Dave Brooks

Martha Fluor

Judy Franco

Wendy Leece

Serene Stokes

Jim Ferryman