EDITORIAL:Positive news from two schools on two accounts

Two schools in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District are reaching toward national honors, and both for different reasons.

Mariners and Victoria elementary schools are among 35 schools in the state that have been nominated for national Blue Ribbon awards. Earlier this year, both also won California Distinguished School awards.

“It’s quite remarkable, and we’re very, very pleased,” Newport-Mesa school district Supt. Jeffrey Hubbard told the Pilot. “We know the way [state Supt.] Jack O’Connell is nominating these schools — he really is looking for schools that have students from across all demographic categories who are scoring well. If these two schools are doing that, we’re thrilled.”

School officials deserve to be thrilled. To qualify for the nomination, schools must meet one of two categories: If 40% or more of students are disadvantaged, the school must rank in at least the 60th percentile on statewide English and math exams. Victoria met that criteria. Other campuses must be in the 90th percentile, as Mariners was.

That two such different schools in the same district could reach such heights says something quite positive about the Newport-Mesa Unified School District. While we and others find fault with the district’s handling of Westside schools; its reliance on the bonds; the sometimes up-and-down performance of schools on the rafts of mandatory testing; the board’s seemingly uncritical “team” approach to governing; and other issues, we recognize that O’Connell’s highlighting of Mariners and Victoria elementary schools is evidence of the many good things happening in the district. These two campuses, among others in the district, are teaching our children well.

Now, campus officials just need to make sure they complete and submit the paperwork required to get that national Blue Ribbon distinction.

There are great stories to tell at each school, and we look forward to seeing their success recognized once again.