NEWPORT-MESA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD MEETING PREVIEW

Here are some items the board will consider tonight.

NEWPORT HARBOR CONSTRUCTION

Robins Hall — the former main building at Newport Harbor High School that was closed in 2003 due to seismic concerns and has been locked up ever since. Under the Measure F school bond, Newport-Mesa plans to demolish the building and erect a replacement that would retain the appearance of the original — including the famous clock tower, a symbol of Newport Harbor for 75 years.

At the last board meeting, architects presented plans for the new Robins Hall. The California Environmental Quality Act mandates that new building projects be assessed for their effects on the neighboring environment, but since the new Robins Hall would replace a similar existing building, the project is exempt from the law.

Newport-Mesa will vote tonight to file a notice of exemption with the Orange County clerk’s office.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The school board will vote to file the notice — with the hearty encouragement of Newport Harbor staffers, who have operated out of portables for the last four years.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES

Chuck Hinman, the recently appointed assistant superintendent of secondary education, will give a presentation on professional learning communities — networks in which teachers collaborate with each other as well as with principals, students and parents. The goal of the communities is to ensure, through coordination and outreach, that students learn as well and as quickly as possible.

Newport-Mesa’s strategic plan supports the concept of professional learning communities, and Hinman, who oversaw them as principal of San Clemente High School, will give an informational presentation.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Much food for thought, but no vote on the agenda tonight.

— Michael Miller