Facing Reality in Newport-Mesa

As a resident of Costa Mesa (one of the two communities served by the Newport-Mesa Unified School District), I have closely followed the unfolding story of Stephen Wagner’s alleged misappropriation of school district funds.

Obviously, a loss of such magnitude is of great concern and underscores the need to remain ever vigilant in matters concerning public funds. The lure of money is always great, particularly in an area like Orange County, which places such a high value on a person’s net worth in dollars.

But to me, the story of greater interest is the outcry of parents and teachers who assert the tight financial conditions in the school district are related to Mr. Wagner’s alleged actions, that the loss of teachers and an increase in average class size is the result of mismanagement of the district.

Though it cannot be argued that the infusion of $3 million would go a long way toward relieving the financial ills of today, it is absurd to believe money siphoned off during the last five years would have been available today. In all likelihood, that money would have been used to meet the needs of previous years and would not have left the school district in a significantly better financial state today.

The fact is, the school district, like all publicly funded entities, is today feeling the pinch of the economic downturn, just as individuals and corporations have during the past two years. When times are tough, tax revenue eventually suffers, and that is a particular problem for a school district with an increasing student census. The question to be answered is why is the tax revenue down.

Our school district is primarily funded through the direct application of local property taxes. Since the value of the property, and the assessed taxes, are a known quantity, the revenue forecast for the school district is predictable and specific. Predictable and specific, that is, assuming all taxes are paid, and the forecast expansion occurs.

Unfortunately, neither of these conditions are meeting forecast levels. The result is reduced income and restricted cash flow. This is the culprit behind the financial strife in the school district. And unless those who have raised the issue of mismanagement are suggesting we hold the school district’s administration responsible for collecting the tax revenue due, there is little to do other than the belt-tightening that has occurred at all levels.

As I see it, the only hope for improvement lies in all parties working together to navigate through these troubled waters. Political and personal interests must be set aside to make way for the more pressing problem of educating the students. That is, after all, the reason for the school district in the first place and is presumably the motivation behind all who participate: administrators, teachers and parents alike.

I think it’s time all parties stop wishing for something other than reality and start working as a group and as individuals to cope with the situation as it is.

No one wanted what has occurred. And though the school district may not presently be able to provide our Utopian dream education, all must take responsibility for assuring that the students get their fair share of what can be given. That may mean some discomfort to all, but that’s a lesson we need to learn during these times.

ROB ARMSTRONG

Costa Mesa