Public information sessions planned on Edison takeover

Terry Webster

Monday, April 9, 2001 | 9:56 a.m.

Edison Schools, contract in hand to take over seven Clark County schools in the fall, is gearing up its staff training and preparing to let parents know what their children can expect.

Informational meetings for the public will be set up over the next few weeks, Kathy Hamel, Edison spokeswoman, said.

The Clark County School Board unanimously agreed to have the firm manage seven schools, despite opposition from employee union leaders and the public. Principals and teachers at the selected schools have spoken strongly in favor of Edison.

"This is going to be one of the best cluster of schools we have," Chris Whittle, Edison's chief executive officer, said following Friday's board meeting.

The firm is the nation's biggest for-profit manager of public schools.

Superintendent Carlos Garcia and School Board members agreed that they believe Edison's program will be best for the children in the at-risk schools.

The firm will bring its own curriculum and technology, but must meet the same state standards as other Clark County schools.

The district's five-year pact with Edison allows the firm to open seven schools to start: Cahlan, Crestwood, Lincoln, Lynch, Park and Ronnow elementary schools and West Middle School.

If Edison performs satisfactorily, it will have the option of taking over 13 additional schools through 2005.

Edison officials estimated the program's value at up to $38 million per year. It will cost the school district about $8 million. But Edison expects to purchase services from the district equal to that amount.

Additionally, Edison agreed to add $10.5 million in donations it raises to the district's general fund.

Garcia said he believes Edison's program can be implemented within the district's bargaining unit agreements.

No one will lose a job, although they may get transferred, Garcia said.

However, employee union representatives were not happy with the district's decision.

Robert Mancuso, Education Support Employees Association president, said the union has not been told which employees will be affected by Edison.

He also said he believes the contract contains language that constitutes "unfair labor practices."

The contract gives Edison the right, with approval by the district, to select, evaluate, assign, discipline and transfer personnel, in accordance with union agreements and applicable laws.

District employees working at Edison schools will retain all employment and benefit rights they have accrued in the district.

An evaluation by Edison will determine whether principals will remain at Edison schools.

Other employees, including teachers, will have their employment renewed if they receive a satisfactory evaluation by their principal.