Cash From Land Sale Divides School District

It has been eight months since the Newport-Mesa Unified School District sold 18 acres of land adjacent to Costa Mesa High School to the city of Costa Mesa and tonight it will begin talks on what to do with that money.

It’s a contentious topic because many in Costa Mesa believe there are several reasons why the lion’s share of the $7.1 million should be spent on them.

For one, Costa Mesa High School lost part of its campus in the sale, which was done to raise money for repairs on campuses. For another, the school has a harder time raising private money than its wealthy Newport Beach counterparts.

“Corona del Mar can raise their $1 million from the community,” said Paulette Witt, president of the Costa Mesa Parents Teachers Students Assn. “We have never been able to do that.”

It is not clear how board members will react to such pleas.

Trustee James M. Ferryman, who represents Costa Mesa, supports parents in his district.

But other board members, such as Dana Black, who represents Newport Beach, said she is afraid the parents are asking trustees to do something that violates state law.

The board meets at tonight at 7 at Harper Community Center, 425 E. 18th St., Costa Mesa. Information: (714) 760-3500.