MEDIA CONTACTS:
Cara Perry, 772-873-3339, ccarlton@fau.edu;
Dan Ward, 407-423-8006, dward@thestrategicfirm.com;
Ginger King, 772-429-5502, kingg@stlucie.k12.fl.us

Lab School in Pt. St. Lucie To Open in 07-08 Year

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL (June 22, 2005) - Education and community leaders from Florida Atlantic University, St. Lucie County Public Schools, Core Communities and the State of Florida discussed the future of education in Port St. Lucie at a special Community Leader Luncheon this afternoon. Officials also unveiled the conceptualization for the new K - 8 charter lab school that will open in the Town of Tradition development during the 2007-08 school year.

"The development of this public school will give our children the opportunity to learn in an environment fostered by the latest in educational research," said FAU President Frank T. Brogan. "With the addition of new facilities at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and the future expansion of the Port St. Lucie Campus, this cutting edge charter lab school demonstrates one more important statement of FAU's commitment to the people of the Treasure Coast."

The luncheon, which featured speakers Brogan, Superintendent Michael Lannon and State Senator Ken Pruitt, highlighted the future of education in Port St. Lucie and focused on the unique nature of the school.

"This facility will further advance our public schools and all of St. Lucie County as a community dedicated to educational excellence, a highly educated work force and a future that links the application of knowledge with an improved standard of living for all residents," said Lannon.

The school, which was conceptualized several years ago, was allocated funding during the past year and officials have been working to develop a viable organizational structure. The school, which will house approximately 1,600 students and 120 teachers, will be linked with FAU faculty and researchers, giving its students a unique learning environment and experience.

"Core Communities has always been dedicated to quality education in its communities," said Core Communities President Pete Hegener. "We're very proud that the Town of Tradition will be home to the area's first laboratory research school, a facility that will showcase innovative teaching techniques and become a model for education in Florida."

A groundbreaking on the nearly 50 acre site will likely take place in the spring of 2006.

-FAU-