Principal: There Are No Plans to Shut Down Newhart Middle School

A rumor that has questioned the future of Newhart Middle School in Mission Viejo as part of a heated school board election has prompted the principal to write parents, dispelling it.

Dear Newhart Community,

Today I have received some disturbing inquiries concerning the possible closure of our school. I have been in close communication with Superintendent Vital and Cabinet Members and there is NO discussion about any changes to Newhart. There are no plans in CUSD to close Newhart. I’m personally saddened that this is a rumor that has surfaced and that our Newhart families would spend one second worrying about this erroneous message. Newhart is a tremendous school and we are proud to serve the community of Mission Viejo. I look forward to serving the Newhart community as the principal for many years to come.

Warmest Regards,

Jeff Jones, Principal

Julie Collier, who is challenging Trustee Lynn Hatton to represent Mission Viejo on the Capistrano Unified Board of Trustees, said she has heard parents and even children spread the rumor.

“This rumor is so ridiculous, Collier said. “i would never shut down a school that is already impacted, especially the only CUSD middle school in Mission Viejo.”

Collier helped start the Oxford Preparatory Academy South Orange charter school, which CUSD trustees placed at Barcelona Hills Elementary School -- first sharing the campus, then taking over completely.

Similar rumors were used in the 2012 campaign against Jim Reardon, who won election to the board despite claims he would shut down San Juan Hills High, and Bill Perkins, who was the target of a ”robo-call” saying he would close Aliso Niguel High. He lost to incumbent Gary Pritchard.

The rumor back then as now claims a candidate wants to convert a current school to a charter high school.

PHOTO Patch file photo.

COMMENT ON THIS STORY BY SCROLLING TO FIND THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW.

Wondering how our new commenting platform, Disqus, works? Learn more about it here and start interacting with your neighbors on Patch.