School Board Might Defend Federal Grant

Newport-Mesa Unified School District board members are considering a resolution defending use of a federal grant to support local “school-to-work” programs.

At a meeting tonight, the board will discuss how its schools use Vision 2020 grant money to fund vocational programs, designed to help students identify their career and academic goals by introducing them to the working world.

Board members will consider a resolution asking the county Department of Education to stop pressuring them to make do without the federal funds.

“I just want to send them a message to please leave us alone,” Newport-Mesa President Martha Fluor said. “I think it should be up to our local boards to decide whether or not to accept these funds.”

Some members of the county educational board, which oversees county-run educational programs, have criticized “school-to-work” programs countywide. Such programs, they contend, detract from traditional academics.

The county agency cannot tell local districts to dismantle the programs. However, Fluor said she wants the county board to know that many educational policymakers do not support their crusade to rid county schools of the federally funded programs.

“The programs benefit a lot of students who would be at a loss without them,” Fluor said.

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