Notable Leaders Spearhead Charles A. Tindley Accelerated Schools $5 Million Capital Campaign

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson, Indiana Pacers President Larry Bird, former Indiana Pacer George McGinnis and Washington, D.C. power broker Vernon Jordan to support the $5 million Charles A. Tindley Accelerated School capital campaign.

(PRWEB) September 13, 2005 -- The Charles A. Tindley Accelerated School has captured the attention of some of the states most influential leaders. Several national and local leaders have signed on to be co-chairs of the school's $5 million capital campaign.

Governor Mitch Daniels, Mayor Bart Peterson, Indiana Pacers President Larry Bird, former Indiana Pacer George McGinnis and Washington, D.C. power broker Vernon Jordan are supporting the campaign to raise funds to address expenses not covered by public dollars.

As a public institution, the Tindley School faces issues that threaten their promise of a quality education. Those issues revolve primarily around funding, as charter schools receive funding in arrears, making the need for private support and grants all too urgent. Charter schools are public schools. They receive no money for facilities, furniture, computers or any other capital expense.

The $5million capital campaign was launched to eliminate the debt services on the newly renovated school building, which was formerly an abandoned grocery facility in the Meadows.

According to Marcus Robinson, the schools principal and Chief Executive Officer, the campaign is necessary to ensure the schools leadership continues its focus first and foremost on educating its students. We have two goals at the Tindley School, and only two goals," said Robinson, every child must work hard, and every child must go to college."

Mayor Peterson who sponsored the schools has called Tindley a model for the nation. He used Tindley as the site for the State of the City address and has recognized the schools leadership in changing the perception of the north eastside community where it resides as well as the expectations of achievement in public schools.

Gov. Daniels echoed his sentiments last week.

What you are doing here is important," he told the students during a recent assembly. I know that it is important to you. It's important to your parents and the teachers who teach you. But when you succeed, your efforts will affect how education happens in high schools all over Indiana. You are making history here, and I am excited for you." At the end of his visit the governor remarked to Robinson, I want to come back for a return visit. We need more schools like this one."

Campaign co-chair James K. Baker, the former chairman and CEO of Arvin Industries in Columbus, IN, expects the excitement going on within the four walls of this two-year -old school to be the basis for a successful fund drive. If we could get every citizen of Indiana who is dedicated to public education to visit Tindley, our job would be over," said Baker.

Tindley is like no other public high school in this state. These kids really want to learn. Their school day ends at 5 p.m. and their school year is 30 days longer than other public schools. Everyone-teachers, staff, and principal-is dedicated to the success of Tindley," he added.

The Charles A. Tindley School is fully accredited by the Indiana Department of Education and it is the only certified member of the Accelerated Schools PLUS program (based at the University of Connecticut) in the State of Indiana. The school's philosophy and curriculum are designed to get every student prepared for admission at a selective college. This also includes enrichment and service-learning projects that are directly connected to their academic course work.

For additional information, or to contribute to the schools capital campaign, please call (317) 545-1745.

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