Schools get $6.2 million from federal government

"Not getting the grant would have been morally devastating," Trustee Charles Perry said yesterday.

The money cannot go toward reducing the district's deficit and must be used only for magnet programs, Perry said.

"It doesn't change the district's crummy financial situation," Perry said.

The grant, however, will put in place programs at the schools that could attract kids away from private schools, Superintendent Pendery Clark said.

Bayside Middle, North Shoreview, Turnbull and Fiesta Gardens are considered magnet schools. The grants will allow Albion Horrall, Park and Sunnybrae to add magnet programs, Clark said.

The district applied for $8.7 million in grants.

The following is the exact language the district used in its grant proposal:

· Fiesta Gardens Elementary offers a Two-Way Language Immersion/Global Studies Magnet. It is designed to help students learn about other countries and people of the world.

· Albion Horrall Elementary offers technology integration magnet education. It is designed to help students gain the skills they need in the 21st century. Special features include a video production studio, closed circuit TV, a computer lab, Internet access in all classrooms and an opportunity to work on real world projects via the Internet.

· North Shoreview offers a Montessori program with an emphasis in the arts. It is designed to integrate the arts into the Montessori curriculum and enable students to achieve high academic standards. Its special features include Orff music classes, an artist in residence program, dance classes and an art gallery.

· San Mateo Park Elementary offers a math/science magnet program. It is designed to prepare students from diverse backgrounds to enroll in accelerated math and science academic. Its special features include Lego robotics, math and science labs, accelerated critical thinking using math games and extended learning activities.

· Sunnybrae Elementary offers a primary years International Baccalaureate Program. It will develop an accelerated curriculum in which all students achieve at high levels both academically and socially. Its special features include a foreign language component, community service projects and a global emphasis.

· Turnbull Learning Academy offers a School of Talented and Gifted Education (STAGE) Magnet designed to enhance the learning opportunities for all students. It features a compacted academic curriculum in the morning and elective choices in the afternoon.

· Bayside Middle offers a School for the Performing Arts and Creative Technology. It is designed to prepare students for a competitive society. Its special features include an integrated fine arts program including visual arts, music, drama and dance; projects associated with world-wide art galleries and museums; and an integrated technology program with digital production studios.

The government will provide the district with roughly $2.3 million in funding the first year. The total number of students the grants will affect is over 3,000.

"The money is a major shot in the arm," Clark said.