New year holds new projects for schools

Smaller learning communities, a software program for students struggling with the high school exit exam and newly hired counselors are among the highlights of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s calendar for 2007 — to say nothing of all those construction vehicles.

The first project of Measure F, the largest bond measure in Newport-Mesa history, is set to break ground in early February — just as the last nails are hammered on projects funded by Measure A, the second-largest bond measure. In-between those trucks rumbling in and out, there are subtle changes slated for the classroom as well. With three new trustees recently elected to the school board, the district has all the elements for a year of changes.

“I think the future of the district is really bright,” said Supt. Jeffrey Hubbard. “One of the things we’re doing right now is reviewing a significant number of our programs for effectiveness. I hope we’ll be streamlining our operations in a way that will really impact students and their welfare.”

Since Hubbard took office last July, the district has already tweaked a number of programs — and some of the changes are planned for the year ahead. Newport-Mesa recently purchased Chariot, a software program that provides sample tests for the California High School Exit Exam. Meanwhile, with the help of state funding, the district plans to hire new counselors for middle and high schools in the second semester.

Estancia High School plans to continue the Newport-Mesa trend of smaller learning communities — groups of students with similar skills and interests who are given the same classes every day — by redesigning its ninth-grade curriculum in September.

Across town, Early College High School will add a 10th-grade class as it enters its second year of existence.

Measure A, the $110-million bond that voters passed in 2000 to clean and repair schools, is set to complete work this month at Estancia. Shortly afterward, the district plans to launch its first Measure F project at Estancia as well, breaking ground on a multi-sport stadium.

A gymnasium at TeWinkle Middle School and a new administration building at Newport Harbor High School will follow.

Deputy Supt. Paul Reed said the district hadn’t planned for Estancia to be the center of construction after New Year’s, but the stadium just fit the bill.

“It’s the least disruptive of all these projects [to students], so it seemed to be the easiest one to launch,” he said.