STATE AWARDS GRANT FOR EXTENDED LEARNING PROGRAM

West Aurora School District received word this week from the Illinois State Board of Education that they will receive $89,779 through the Bridges Extended Learning Program to support extended day programs. The grant was originally requested to fund the district’s summer school program for 2004. Those funds were unavailable in the spring and the district cancelled its summer school program. Through the efforts of our local legislators, especially Sen. Chris Lauzen, the Illinois State Board of Education has now awarded West Aurora funds for the remainder of the 2004-05 school year, which will be used to create before and after school programs to serve students who are most at risk academically. Each elementary school in the district will be able to create such programs and will be offering services beginning immediately.

Supt. Sherry Eagle thanked Sen. Lauzen for his diligent work and support of the district. “We are most appreciative of all of our legislators for their insight in continuing to build a strong foundational base for the future of our state – our children,” Eagle said.

Contact: Randi Ochsenschlager at 630-301-5033, rlochsens@sd129.org; Deb Ahlden at 630-301-5054, dahlden@sd129.org