School Board shows interest in private-firm management

Terry Webster

Friday, Oct. 27, 2000 | 11:27 a.m.

The Edison Schools concept -- using a private firm to manage schools -- is gaining interest from the Clark County School Board.

Several board members this week are in the Los Angeles area to visit two schools run by Edison. School officials also recently attended a conference about Edison Schools in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Superintendent Carlos Garcia introduced the concept to the board. Garcia implemented an Edison School while he was superintendent in Fresno, Calif.

If the program comes to Clark County, Edison, a for-profit firm, would be given the district's per pupil aid. Edison typically targets at-risk schools, providing its own curriculum, an extended school day and teacher training.

Shirley Barber, who is among the School Board members on the tour in Los Angeles, said she is very impressed with the program. She said she plans to recommend it be implemented in two of the schools she represents, Madison and Fitzgerald elementary schools.

The two schools have been on the state's list of schools that need improvement for the three consecutive years. That means the state could consider taking over the schools.

Barber thinks Edison can help turn the schools around.

"If Edison doesn't work here, then I don't know what we'll do," Barber said.

Board member Sheila Moulton also has said she likes the program.

Madison principal Carol Foster, who attended the Colorado Springs conference, said she is still gathering information about Edison.

"We're really still at the research stage," she said. "We're trying to determine whether it will be the best thing for the children."