Boards Cite Academic Achievement and Parent Satisfaction
NEW YORK, July 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Edison Schools (Nasdaq: EDSN),
the nation's largest private manager of public schools, announced today that
it has completed several contract renewals to continue managing nine schools
in partnership with districts in West Covina, East Palo Alto, and Napa,
California; Denver and Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Duluth, Minnesota.
Each of the schools represented in these contract renewals has been managed in
partnership with Edison for a period of five years or more.
"We are pleased to be able to continue working in partnership with all of
these great schools and districts," said Christopher Cerf, Edison President
and Chief Operating Officer. "This represents a strong and compelling vote of
confidence in our school operating performance around the country. We applaud
our partner districts and charter school boards for their support and ongoing
commitment to innovative partnerships. These contract renewals give us the
opportunity to continue our commitment to improving student achievement and
educational outcomes for more than 4,000 students enrolled at these schools
across the country."
In addition to showing strong academic progress and achievement gains on
national and criterion reference tests, these Edison schools have high levels
of parent satisfaction, as measured by an annual, independent survey conducted
by Harris Interactive.
West Covina, California
The Board of the West Covina Unified School District approved a renewal
agreement with Edison by a unanimous vote. Edison will continue to manage San
Jose Edison Academy for the next five years. The charter has also been
extended by the state for an additional five years.
"The Edison Schools charter school is an integral part of our district's
ability to offer our students a wide array of alternative education
opportunities," said Board President Steve Cox of the West Covina Unified
School District. "The presence of the charter school in the district has a
direct impact on the overall performance of our traditional schools. The San
Jose - Edison program of academics, technology, and character provides the
students the world-class education they deserve. We are proud to have renewed
the contract with Edison Schools and look forward to our mutual successes."
"Our school community is thrilled about our extended involvement with
Edison Schools," commented Principal Denise Patton. "We are proud of what we
have accomplished over the past five years, and equally proud of our
association with an educational system that provides extraordinary learning
opportunities for children across the nation."
East Palo Alto, California
With a unanimous vote of 4 to 0, the Ravenswood Board of Trustees a
contract for five years contingent upon future reconfiguration of the
district. Edison will continue to manage two schools in East Palo, Alto,
California -- Edison Brentwood Academy and Edison McNair Academy. Board
members complimented the school and administration for its focus on student
achievement and parent involvement. "The board was very positive about the
renewal based on our very positive reputation in the community," said
Principal Mary Seiersen. "We truly have the solid support of our families and
staff."
Napa, California
The Board of the Napa Unified School District approved its contract
renewal with Edison Schools. Edison will continue its management of
Phillips-Edison Partnership School serving grades K-5 for the next five years.
"This renewal brought tremendous unity to the staff and community," said
Principal Kathleen McClure. "It allows us all to focus on our true mission
and vision for our students."
Denver and Colorado Springs, Colorado
The Wyatt Charter Board in Denver, Colorado voted unanimously to renew its
contract with Edison to continue managing Wyatt-Edison Charter School for the
next 3 years. Denver Public Schools (DPS) agreed to authorize another three
years for Wyatt's charter. Board president LaTonya McPherson expressed
enthusiasm for the renewal. "As president of the Wyatt-Edison charter board
and parent of two children that have attended the school since its opening, we
are thrilled about our ongoing relationship with our partner, Edison Schools.
Together, we will continue to meet the academic and social needs of the
children in the neighborhood."
Academy-Edison Elementary School, in Colorado Springs was also approved
for a one-year renewal. Academy-Edison serves students in grades K-5 in
District 20, Colorado Springs.
Duluth, Minnesota
The Board of Directors of The Duluth Public Schools Academy (DPSA)
recently completed a renewal of their management agreement with Edison
Schools. The three DPSA Academies: Raleigh Academy, Kenwood Academy, and
Washburn Academy will continue under Edison Management for the next three
years.
According to DPSA Board President Paul Goossens, "After thoroughly
reflecting on the strength of the Edison programs over these past six years,
and examining Edison's ability to continue to provide the high quality
educational programs demanded by our organization, the Duluth Public Schools
Academy (DPSA) Board is unanimous in its desire to continue our partnership
with Edison. The mission of our schools is to the 'Dedicated Pursuit of
Student Achievement.' Edison has been instrumental in achieving and exceeding
these pursuits, and we are excited about their renewed commitment to
continuing that tradition in Duluth."
Since opening the school doors to kindergarten through eighth grade
children in Duluth six years ago, the DPSA schools, under the management of
Edison, have demonstrated significant and continued improvement in student
achievement; resounding student and staff satisfaction; and sound financial
viability.
About Edison
Founded in 1992, Edison partners with school districts and charter boards
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 110,000 public school students in more than 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 149
full-year schools and 178 summer schools.
Between 1992 and 1995 and in ongoing efforts, Edison's team of leading
educators and scholars has conducted intensive research to develop its school
design and support systems. Edison opened its first four schools in August
1995 and has grown rapidly in every subsequent year. For more information,
please visit http://www.edisonschools.com.
Any statements in this press release and any other press release issued by
Edison on or about the date hereof about future expectations, plans and
prospects for Edison, including statements containing the words "believes,"
"anticipates," "plans," "expects," "will," and similar expressions, constitute
forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from
those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various
important factors, including the risk factors discussed in our most recent
quarterly report filed with the SEC. The forward-looking statements included
in this press release represent Edison's estimates as of July 22, 2003.
Edison anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its
estimates to change. While Edison may elect to update these forward-looking
statements at some point in the future, Edison specifically disclaims any
obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied
upon as representing Edison's estimates or views as of any date subsequent to
July 22, 2003.
SOURCE Edison Schools
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Related links:
http://www.edisonschools.com
CONTACT:
Adam Tucker, VP, Communications, Edison
Schools, +1-212-419-1602
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