Some 293 children and teen-agers are back in Angwin schools. And some with new teachers.

The PUC Elementary reports 139 students, up from 129 last year. The Howell Mountain Elementary reports 82 students, up from 72. The PUC Prep reports 72 students, the same as last year.

The new teacher at HMES is Richard Kinst, who has 25 years teaching experience under the belt. He lives on the Silverado Trail. Kinst is teaching 8th grade.

PUC Prep's new principal is Larry Alred, who will also be teaching U. S. Government. Alred comes from Collegeview Academy in Lincoln, Nebraska, with 34 years of experience as an educator, the last 20 being at the Lincoln school. The other new teacher is Dan Muhic who will be teaching the science classes. Muhic comes from Hawaiian Mission Academy.

PUC Elementary welcomes Dennis Hunt to teach music and direct the band and choir.

The new governing Board of the Howell Mountain Mutual Water Company is hacking away at a mountain of financial problems.

Here's the good news:

1. The new Board has renegotiated the loan from the State of California on a plan which will reduce the payments by $42, 000 a year. And still at the low, low interest rate of 3. 37%. A real coup!

2. The users have agreed to a rate increase which also help reduce the deficit. Users who are not yet on Option B can sign up for this option in December. Under Option B, a user agrees to pay the average of its past three years bills for the next 12 months, and they will receive as a bonus $1, 000 worth of free water.

3. The Board eliminated the post of full-time office manager, with full medical benefits, and replaced it with a part-time office manager who is doing a great job. Capable and courteous.

4. The company has received a $70, 000 grant from Napa County for repairs. This is the first allocation from the Countywide flood control program. Finally.

5. The company has received a $17, 500 grant from the State to plan its capital improvement program.