School board approves consulting contract

Former Newport-Mesa Unified School District Supt. Rob Barbot will advise the district’s new superintendent for the next few years.

The Board of Education Tuesday night unanimously voted to approve an agreement to have Barbot continue in an advisory capacity for new Supt. Fred Navarro, who was hired in August. Board member Karen Yelsey was absent.

“The district will benefit greatly from Dr. Barbot’s extensive knowledge and expertise in the areas of finance and governance,” said district spokeswoman Laura Boss in an email.

Barbot served as the district’s top administrator for eight years until his retirement in June 2006.

He came back this year as interim superintendent to head the search for a permanent replacement. Navarro was hired in August.

The contract stipulates Barbot will advise the district on governance for no more than 15 hours a month through Sept. 30, 2015. His contract would cost the district $9,000 annually to continue his medical, dental and vision insurance starting after the 2012-13 fiscal year.

He would also be reimbursed for certain travel costs that the superintendent approves.

As of press time, board members didn’t comment on the contract as it was part of the consent calendar, which would only go for discussion at the request of a member.

•The district’s newest principal, who will take the top position at Harbor View Elementary School, was also introduced to the board.

Costa Mesa High School Assistant Principal Todd Schmidt will succeed Charlene Metoyer as principal at Harbor View.

• Board member Katrina Foley also acknowledged several donations from Target.

Target donated $2,372 to College Park, Newport Heights, Sonora and Victoria elementary and TeWinkle Intermediate schools. The donations come from Target’s Take Charge of Education program, which donates 1% of purchases on Target’s REDcard back to the purchaser’s chosen K-12 school.

britney.barnes@latimes.com

Twitter: @britneyjbarnes