NEWPORT BEACH

The Newport-Mesa Unified school board’s recent approval of the $7.5-million Newport Coast Elementary School has done little to dampen debate about its appearance or price tag. Irvine Co. officials wanted sloped roofs with double layers of rustic red tiles, in keeping with the area’s “Italian villa” style, but California schools generally are not allowed to have those sorts of tiles because they are not as safe as others in an earthquake.

After months of debate with the state architect who signs off on all school plans, a compromise was reached in which the Irvine Co. will pay for special tiles. The company already has shelled out $300,000 for landscaping and $1.8 million for site improvements. caused some to question whether such extras are fair. Board members agreed that Newport Coast Elementary will be nicer than any other school in the district--and possibly nicer than any other in the state. But they point out that homeowners in Newport Coast are paying for the development and are therefore entitled to have as nice a school as they see fit.