ADVISORY/Education Agency Officials and County VIPs Congratulate John H. Wood, Jr. Charter School On Top Rating From Texas Education Agency.

News & Assignment Editors; Education Writers

ADVISORY...for Monday (Nov. 4)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

WHAT:       News Conference at historic St. Francis Academy with
            keynote address from Joe J. Bernal, Ph. D., State Board of
            Education, District 3, and comments from Bexar County
            Judge Nelson Wolff as they congratulate San Antonio-based
            John H. Wood, Jr. Charter School on receiving the
            "Commended" rating for the second year in a row.

WHO:        State Board of Education member Joe J. Bernal, Ph.D. and
            Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff along with other
            education, civic and county officials join students,
            faculty and parents of St. Francis Academy and the John H.
            Wood, Jr. Charter School administrative staff to celebrate
            the prestigious award with the community. Special guests
            will include students whose lives have benefited from the
            alternative education programs provided by the charter
            school, as well as, local community and business leaders
            who have contributed to the success of the charter school.

WHEN:       Thursday, November 7th, 2002 at 10:00 am

WHERE:      St. Francis Academy campus, 1801 Centennial (off Zarzamora)
            210/923-1421

ON-SITE     Mr. Mike Lopez,
CONTACTS:   Director of Business & Development
            John H. Wood, Jr. Charter School
            Cell 722-0205

            Kenneth Messick,
            Superintendent
            John H. Wood, Jr. Charter School
            499-3050 x 200 or cell 508-9136


BACKGROUND: The John H. Wood, Jr. Charter School program focuses on
            positive reinforcement of social, moral and educational
            goals for at-risk students in the community. The program
            offers comprehensive assistance to students for grades
            6-12 including professional counseling, special services
            for teen parents, vocational awareness and college prep.
            Students receive special individualized education plans
            designed to help them master academic skills needed to
            pass the state-mandated assessment tests. Many students
            progress rapidly through the program and are graduated or
            returned to the mainstream with valuable life skills.

MEDIA       Angela McFadin
CONTACT:    McFadin Communications Group
            210/364-4013
            [e-mail]