Hubbard promises to share details after trial
CORONA DEL MAR — During his visit at Corona del Mar High School’s PTA meeting Tuesday, Jeffrey Hubbard declined to discuss the “adult drama” he’s facing in court, but he assured attendees that he would discuss the matter after the trial ends.
“When this is over, [I’m] looking forward to sharing every bloody detail,” the embattled Newport-Mesa Unified superintendent said.
Hubbard said that the pledge of allegiance ends with “justice for all,” and added that he hopes “this is the case.”
He faces three felony counts in Los Angeles County Superior Court of misappropriating public funds. The counts stem from allegations that he gave, without the required school board approval, bonuses to two subordinates while he was working as the schools chief for Beverly Hills Unified. He has pleaded not guilty.
Hubbard focused his comments on the district’s ability to escape the current economic climate with minimal reductions in service — there were no furlough days or reduced schedules, and only one layoff — and the high quality of Newport-Mesa teachers, some of whom have “intangible” qualities that engage students.
During the meeting,
Hubbard was asked whether Newport-Mesa schools would change their basic-aid status, which provides the district money from local property taxes instead of it having to seek state funding.
Some argue that changing the funding formula could have advantages for both Costa Mesa and Newport Beach schools, but the area’s high property values are generally viewed as a more reliable funding source than the troubled state, which funds other school districts by collecting property taxes and redistributing them.
Hubbard said there were no plans to restructure Newport-Mesa Unified.
District spokeswoman Laura Boss, who was in attendance, told the Daily Pilot on Tuesday that Hubbard’s appearance was an ordinary meeting to update CdM’s PTA on the district. School board member Katrina Foley also attended.
In October, the Newport-Mesa Federation of Teachers called for a vote of no confidence in Hubbard. A sampling of about 60 teachers unanimously voted for no confidence in a special meeting two weeks ago, and about 1,000 ballots were later sent to all union members.
Those ballots are expected to be tallied Thursday.
Twitter: @lawilliams30