September 27, 2004

Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin is a member of the 2005 Selection Committee for the Rudy Bruner Awards for Urban Excellence, which recognize local projects that transform places by either the renewal of something old, or the creation of something new that resonates in the history of community life. Application deadline is December 13, 2004. Applications can be obtained at: www.brunerfoundation.org

Under the leadership of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and School Chancellor Joel Klein, New York City has begun the new school year with 91 new schools, many housed in large older buildings turned into "campuses." The New York Times reports that the 91 schools included 53 small high schools and 9 charter schools. Officials say creating new schoolsÑspecifically small secondary schools and charter schoolsÑis an essential element of the city's education reform effort. A similar initiative has been announced by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley to create 100 new schools by 2010. This does not necessarily mean build but establish smaller learning environments for students in both new and existing structures that will become schools. Several other cities are working on similar efforts with the support and involvement of mayors.

The Washington (DC) based Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) named Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson the DLC New Democrat of the Week September 13.

Peterson's leadership in holding Indiana's capital charter schools responsible for academic achievement and providing detailed measurements of their progress is recognized on the DLC's website, "New Democrats Online" www.ndlc.org

In late August, Peterson issued the 2004 Accountability Report on mayor'sponsored charter schools. The report tracked the progress and success of local public charter schools.

"My comprehensive system for holding the schools accountable demands a high quality education, and the school's performance this past year makes clear they are taking accountability seriously," Peterson said.

Through a simple move in 2001, Indiana's state legislature empowered Peterson to authorize schools in the city. There are currently ten Peterson-authorized charter schools operating in Indianapolis.