Boston Magnet Schools receive $6.7 million federal grant

Senator Edward M. Kennedy announced today that Boston Public Schools will receive approximately $2,219,064 grant from the U.S. Department of Education under the Magnet Schools Assistance Program. It is expected that the grant will be renewed the following two years for approximately the same amount. Senator Kennedy worked with the City of Boston on the City's grant application and contacted the Department of Education to voice his support.

The grant will support the Effort-Based Learning Program at Boston High School, the Public Service Program at Dorchester High School, the Business Education Program at Hyde Park High School, the Accelerated Academics Program for Law, Public Service, and Environmental Science at South Boston High School, and the Performing Arts Program at Edwards Middle School. The Magnet Schools Assistance Program supports innovative educational practices and method to achieve broad-based reform and provide high quality classroom instruction.

Senator Kennedy said of the award, "These federal dollars will bring well-earned and well-deserved support for Boston's effective programs. This grant is an impressive tribute to the City's strong commitment to providing a quality education for all its students."

Mayor Thomas Menino said, "This funding builds on Boston's efforts to target our education resources where they are most needed and will be most effective. As we in Boston embark on the second five year period of our education reform efforts, this funding recognizes the importance of everyone's being engaged in educating our children. Boston's schoolchildren are fortunate to have Senator Kennedy as an advocate."

Boston Public Schools Superintendent Thomas W. Payzant said, "Two years ago, Boston's high schools began efforts to break the traditional large-school model and 'restructure' into smaller schools with innovative practices to ensure more direct adult/student contact. With the support of Senator Kennedy, this Magnet Schools funding will greatly accelerate the progress in these schools to improve teaching and learning for all students."