Jackson's Fight For Magnet Schools Helps CPS

Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr., today said that his "fight for more money for magnet schools has benefited the Chicago Public School (CPS) system. I'm glad to see that CPS will be able to increase and enhance their magnet school effort with the help of an $8.9 million grant from the federal Magnet Schools Assistant Program.

"The CPS's Clark Academic Preparatory High School, Drummond Elementary School, and Wildwood Elementary School will all be converted to magnet schools as of September 2004. Drummond will offer the Montessori program which uses an innovative and unique teaching technique; Wildwood will develop the CPS's first International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme; and Clark will offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, which includes coursework for the IB Diploma, a prestigious credential recognized worldwide. Like all magnet schools, each will enroll at least 30 percent of their total population from the surrounding neighborhood, and will provide transportation to students within designated guidelines.

"During the Magnet Schools Assistance Program competition, I wrote a letter to U.S. Education Secretary Rod Paige urging him to look favorably upon CPS's magnet school application. Furthermore, I talked often with Rep. Ralph Regula (R-OH), Chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, on which I serve, urging him to increase funding generally for the magnet schools assistance program and to insure funding for the highest quality applications like CPS's. Recently, I spoke at the Magnet Schools of America Conference, and the Magnet Schools Program Director from the U.S. Department of Education was present and indicated his support for my remarks. As a result of this work, the CPS and other school systems around the U.S. received funding for magnet schools," Jackson concluded."

Parents who are interested in enrolling their students for the 2004 school year should contact Jack Harnedy of the CPS at 773.553.2060.