School district to receive funds from Sprit Run

The Newport-Mesa Spirit Run at Tuesday's meeting will present the school district with a check for nearly $45,000 going toward nine schools that participated in the 28th annual event.

This was the first year all Newport-Mesa Unified schools were eligible to benefit from the event, which had struggled in recent years.

Eastbluff Elementary earned $7,925, followed by Harbor View with $7,125. College Park, Killybrooke, Newport Coast and Whittier elementary schools will each receive $7,000.

Corona del Mar Middle School earned $1,250; Corona del Mar High School, $275; and Lincoln Elementary, $125.

The run was traditionally organized by the five elementary schools that feed into CdM — Harbor View, Andersen, Eastbluff, Newport Coast and Lincoln — but this year a group of parents created a nonprofit and board of directors to run the event and expand its reach.

The Spirit Run brought out more than 1,500 participants to the Fashion Island area March 27 for youth and adult races.

In other business, the school board will:

•Consider approving five high school textbooks — three business, two science — for use in its five high schools.

"Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management," "International Business," "Introduction to Business," "Introduction to the Human Body," and "Environmental Science for AP" have been on display for public review in the District Education Center since May 11.

•Consider settling a claim by a former employee for nearly $150,000, with an about $100 a week pension for life with cost-of-living increases.

The claim comes from a now 65-year-old former bus driver for back injuries and other health issues.

The school board meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Roderick H. MacMillian Board Room in the District Education Center, 2985 A Bear St., Costa Mesa.

After much thought and consideration, I have decided

After much thought and consideration, I have decided that it is in the best interests of the community for me to resign my City Council seat on December 14, 2010 when I am sworn in as a new member of the NMUSD Governing Board.  Although I am confident that the legal hurdles can be overcome, it will continue to cause our Costa Mesa community to be wrapped up in turmoil. Instead of fighting the legal challenges, I feel it is in the best interests of the community for me to show leadership by immediately begin

My proposal to stream the NMUSD Board Meetings on the City of Costa Mesa website is in the works now, and will allow greater access to Newport Beach and Costa Mesa residents.

I will also be requesting that the Costa Mesa Sports Fields Master Plans for Costa Mesa High School, Davis, and Tewinkle be agendized for the January school board meeting.  While there is no current funding source for this project, we must have a plan to raise the capital.  Implementation of these plans will transform the schools and surrounding neighborhoods positively.

As a planning tool, I will be requesting an inventory of all technology equipment and resources at every school site.  Our students and teachers must keep pace with changes in technology at every school in the district. To be su ccessful in the marketplace and in college, students must have access to modern technology and skills training.

Finally, in an effort to consistently address the needs of our families, teachers, and staff, I will be creating a “wish list” feature on my website where students, parents, staff, and the community can post items.  These items will be sorted and help me to identify priorities in my Trustee Area which is the Costa Mesa High School Zone, but also throughout the District.  I plan to host quarterly community meetings to provide progress updates, previews of things to come, and an opportunity for the community to voice concerns.  

I am honored that the voters allowed me to serve them for the last 6 years as a council member.  Our Costa Mesa community will experience many changes during the next few months.  The new city council will also be choosing a new city manager, fire chief, and other key positions.  The economy will continue to limit plans for our community’s future.   I hope that the residents of Costa Mesa will trust me in knowing that your city employees, whether at City Hall, in the parks, on the police beat, or firehouse, care deeply about the city and its residents.  They give 110% every day and spend most of their lives right here in the city.  Please support them as they do you during these difficult times.  I encourage more residents to get involved, participate on city committees, attend or watch the meetings, and help shape the community you live in.  We need you.

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