Peoria Board of Education and Davenport Community Schools Vote to Retain
Edison Partnership for an Additional Five Years Each
NEW YORK, April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Edison Schools announced today that two
school districts -- the Peoria (IL) Board of Education and Davenport (IA)
Community Schools -- have voted to renew their management agreements with
Edison. Both partnerships began in 1999 and have been extended for another
five years. Contracts for both renewals were recently finalized.
In Peoria, Edison partners with the school district in four schools --
Rolling Acres Junior Academy, Loucks Edison Junior Academy, Northmoor-Edison,
and Franklin-Edison -- that serve nearly 2,000 students in kindergarten
through grade eight. Over the last four years, students at the four
partnership schools have shown impressive academic gains on the Illinois
Standards Achievement Test. In fact, Franklin is among the highest gaining
schools in the entire state. As part of its educational model, Edison
provides students with educational opportunities and resources such as Spanish
instruction at an early age, extensive programming in music and the arts, and
cutting edge technology to support learning.
"We are pleased to be able to continue to work in partnership with the
school district to serve the students and families of Peoria," said Edison
President and Chief Operating Officer, Chris Cerf. "The success of these four
schools, which reflects the collaborative efforts of both Edison and the
district, has positively affected educational opportunities and outcomes for
children in Peoria."
Vocal support from parents and the superintendent demonstrated the
commitment that the community has for its relationship with Edison. Vince
Wieland, President of the Board, reflected on the renewal. "I'm glad to see
this renewal. The partnership will benefit the district, Edison, and most of
all Peoria's students and parents. I look forward to another great five
years."
In Davenport, Edison manages Jefferson-Edison Elementary, a K-5 school
that serves approximately 478 students. With the implementation of the Edison
design, Jefferson-Edison students have been making important academic gains
over the past five years. Last year's gain was an impressive 9%, raising the
total gain since the partnership began in 1999, 22%. The gains made by
Jefferson Edison students contribute to overwhelming parental support.
Ninety-four percent of Jefferson-Edison parents give the school an A or B
(compared to national average of 68%), with a 2 out of every three parents
giving the school an A (compared to only 29% national average).
The renewal received a unanimous vote of support from the Board of
Davenport Community Schools. Susan Low, Board President, praised the
partnership. "When visiting the building, you can see that wonderful things
are happening at the school. By renewing the contract we are showing our
commitment to the school, the students we support there and the community
Jefferson-Edison serves."
Cerf echoed those sentiments. "Our partnership in Davenport has been a
model effort. This public/private partnership reveals what can happen when
Edison and school districts work together to achieve a common goal -- great
things for kids and their families."
About Edison Schools
Founded in 1992, Edison partners with school districts, charter boards,
and community groups to raise student achievement through its research-based
school design, aligned assessment systems, interactive professional
development, integrated use of technology and other proven program features.
Edison students are achieving annual academic gains well above national norms.
Edison Schools now serves more than 132,000 public school students in over 20
states through four different business channels: (1) the management of schools
for school districts, (2) charter schools, (3) summer and after-school
programs, and (4) achievement management solutions for school systems. The
Company operates 130 full-year schools and 200 summer schools.
Between 1992 and 1995 and in ongoing efforts, Edison's team of educators
and scholars conducted research to develop its school design and support
systems. Edison opened its first four schools in August 1995 and has grown in
every subsequent year. For more information, please visit
http://www.edisonschools.com.
SOURCE Edison Schools
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Related links:
http://www.edisonschools.com
CONTACT:
Adam Tucker, VP Communications for Edison
Schools, +1-212-419-1602
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