News Summary
The Newport-Mesa Unified School District has approved substantial salary increases and new benefits for employees as part of two agreements with local unions. Teachers and classified staff will receive a 7% pay raise retroactive to July 1, enhancing their financial stability. These changes, including various employee provisions, aim to better integrate staff into the community and support their roles effectively, particularly during challenging summer months. The district’s commitment reflects ongoing efforts to improve employee welfare while ensuring educational excellence for students.
Newport Beach, CA – The Newport-Mesa Unified School District has approved significant salary increases and new employee benefits for the 2024-25 school year, providing a 7% pay raise for teachers and classified staff. These increases, which will be retroactive to July 1, 2024, are part of two agreements reached with local unions representing these employees.
Superintendent Wes Smith highlighted the district’s commitment to supporting its workforce, stating that enhanced salaries and benefits will enable employees to better integrate into the community. The approved agreements are expected to cost the district $25,440,297 across all employee groups.
Faculty members will not only receive the 7% salary increase but are also set to gain an average additional 0.8% raise due to scheduled increases based on their experience and seniority. As a result of these new agreements, the teacher salary budget is projected to increase from $150.3 million to $160.9 million. Additionally, changes to teacher preparation time for transitional kindergarten through third grade are included in the agreements.
The agreements also encompass various employee categories, including members of the Newport-Mesa Federation of Teachers (NMFT) and the California School Employees Association (CSEA). Key provisions include simplifying the grievance process, clarifying regulations regarding staff meetings, transfers, and modifying late-start and early-release days.
Furthermore, the CSEA has successfully negotiated for its members to participate in the California Department of Education’s Classified Employee Summer Assistance Program, commencing in the 2025-26 school year. This program aims to aid classified employees who often experience difficulty due to income loss during the summer months. The expected administrative costs involved in this program will be approximately $133,155, in addition to the ongoing payment of statutory benefits to participating employees.
Amy Ching, local president of the CSEA chapter, expressed gratitude towards the school board for their support of part-time employees, spotlighting their role in promoting favorable student outcomes. This initiative reflects the district’s broader commitment to ensuring that all employees receive the support they need, particularly during the summer period when many face financial challenges.
As for the upcoming school year, students in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District are scheduled to begin classes on August 18, 2025. However, some calendar dates may still be subject to change as planning progresses. The district comprises several notable schools, including Newport Coast Elementary School, Corona del Mar Middle & High School, and Newport Harbor High School.
Overall, the Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s recent agreements signal a significant commitment to enhancing the welfare of its employees while maintaining a focus on educational excellence for students.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Court Rules in Favor of Newport Beach Housing Development Plan
Costa Mesa City Council Approves Salary Increases for Employees
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Newport-Mesa Unified Approves Employee Contracts
- Patch: Newport-Mesa Unified Calendar 2025-26 Key Dates
- OC Register: Graduation 2025 Schedule for Orange County
- Wikipedia: Education in California
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA
The Costa Mesa Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, performances at the Pacific Amphitheatre, and community gatherings at The LAB Anti-Mall. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Visit Costa Mesa, plus leading businesses in retail, entertainment, and innovation that shape the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
