NEWPORT BEACH : $80-Million School Budget Adopted

The trustees of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District adopted a $80-million 1992-93 budget this week that includes layoffs for dozens of non-teaching workers and a new retirement package for nearly 40 employees.

Board members unanimously approved the budget, which included $3.7 million in cuts, but warned that the final version expected to be adopted in August may be drastically altered from the one approved Tuesday.

The board voted unanimously to lay off 57 classified employees, although some of those positions could be restored in August depending on state funding allocations.

Board member Judith A. Franco said she voted “with a great deal of sadness and hope that portions of this may be re-looked at.”

The new budget calls for cuts in personnel and programs--including classroom aides, the Costa Mesa High School farm program--cuts in district officials’ travel account, new fees for school busing system and trims in after-school athletics programs.

Tuesday’s cuts to the classified staff includes 46 teachers’ aides and 11 office clerks and typists.

Those employees will know by mid-August whether their layoffs will be rescinded.

“We don’t know exactly how many we’ll be able to bring back,” said Thomas A. Godley, an assistant superintendent, who anticipates that not all of the teachers’ aides will lose their jobs. The district hopes to save $400,000 through the layoffs.

The trustees also approved retirement packages that amount to a one-time cash payment equivalent to 20% of each employee’s pay for 23 teachers and administrators and 16 other workers.

The district will not fill the positions vacated by those retiring, which should amount to a savings of about $800,000.