Costa Mesa : School Board Postpones Vote on Merging Schools

The Newport-Mesa Unified School District board has postponed until March 11 a vote on the proposed merger of Davis Intermediate School into Costa Mesa High School.

The proposal was prompted by declining enrollment in both schools. Supt. John Nicoll recommended closing Davis Intermediate and sending its students to Costa Mesa High, which has also shown declining enrollment. Nicoll noted that board members have said they are committed to preserving each high school in the district.

But after 28 parents spoke in opposition to the closure of Davis Intermediate, the school board said it would hold a special study session on the issue at 5 p.m. March 11, prior to its regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. A vote on the closure recommendation is expected at the regular meeting.