School management firm’s approval is expected Friday

Terry Webster

Thursday, April 5, 2001 | 10:28 a.m.

The Clark County School Board is expected Friday to give Edison Schools final approval to take over seven schools.

The board will hold a special meeting at 4 p.m. at the Education Center, 2832 E. Flamingo Road.

Edison Schools spokeswoman Kathy Hamel said Wednesday she is optimistic the deal will be approved.

The Board on Monday agreed to give staff until Friday to work through remaining issues on the contract between Edison and the district.

If the final contract is approved, Edison, a for-profit manager of public schools, will take over West Middle School and Cahlan, Crestwood, Lincoln, Lynch, Park and Ronnow elementary schools this fall.

That would affect about 7,500 of the district's total student population of 231,000.

The schools, which will remain part of the Clark County School District, still have to meet all state standards.

The Clark County Education Association, the teachers union, plans to start the grievance process if Edison is approved, Executive Director John Jasonek said.

Edison manages 113 schools throughout the country, with about 57,000 students. Clark County's plan will add 7,000 students.