NEWPORT-MESA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD MEETING PREVIEW

Here are some items the board will consider tonight:

MEASURE F MANAGEMENT

McCarthy Building Cos., a Missouri-based contractor with an office in Newport Beach, has served as the project manager for the Measure A school bond since 2002.

Newport-Mesa’s next school bond, Measure F, is expected to begin work in February. When the measure went to the ballot in the 2005 special election, McCarthy was one of the campaign’s top backers.

Since a number of projects on the Measure F list — including a stadium at Estancia High School, a gymnasium at TeWinkle Middle School and a replacement for the closed Robins Hall at Newport Harbor High School — were conceived under Measure A, the district is recommending that McCarthy stay on as project manager for the initial Measure F projects.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The item is on the consent calendar, so it should have little trouble passing.

According to the district, the Measure A Citizens’ Oversight Committee has commended McCarthy for the job it did with Measure A.

Also, staying with the same project manager would be more cost-effective.

AUSTRALIAN EXCHANGE

Every year since 2005, Newport-Mesa has hosted high school students from Wyndham, Australia, as part of an exchange program.

During the last decade, the cities of Costa Mesa and Wyndham had exchanged teachers to further their understanding of education programs around the world.

During a special presentation at 6 p.m., visiting students and teachers from Australia will talk about their experiences in Orange County. A reception will follow in the courtyard.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Newport-Mesa Unified School District board meeting

WHEN: Tonight at 7 p.m., with a special presentation at 6 p.m.

WHERE: District Education Center, 2985-A Bear St., Costa Mesa

INFO: Call (714) 424-5000 or visit www.nmusd.us