EDITORIAL

The Newport-Mesa Unified School District got mixed news this month

from Sacramento.

The good news was that four of its elementary schools, Sonora, Rea,

Whittier and Wilson did so well on student performance tests that its

teachers are eligible for what amounts to a bonus from the state.

The bad news was only one -- Sonora Elementary -- stands a good chance

of seeing any money because more schools than expected qualified for the

reward.

Despite setting aside $100 million for the program, there isn’t enough

to go around to the 1,346 schools eligible.

But teachers at the 280 or so schools that will get money can expect a

grand reward: 1,000 employees with the greatest gains will receive

$25,000 each; 3,750 staff members will receive $10,000 each and 7,500

others will receive $5,000 each.

It is sad, however, that unexpected success will not translate into

expected rewards, and it is too bad there isn’t at least a little

something for everyone who helps teach our children.

But even if those three other schools can’t share in the cash, they

can share in the idea that they have made their community very proud by

their accomplishments.