Sonnenschein Charter School Application Approved by Chicago Board of Education
January 27, 2005
(CHICAGO, January 27, 2005)—Law firm Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP today announced that the Chicago Board of Education has approved its application to establish a charter school in North Lawndale, an African-American community that is one of the most economically distressed areas in the city. The elementary school, to be called Legacy Charter School, will open in August 2005 as part of the Chicago Public Schools’ Renaissance 2010 plan.
Sonnenschein will make a cash contribution of at least $1 million for the planning and operation of Legacy Charter School. The firm’s attorneys and staff will play a key role in its management in such areas as financial planning and oversight, information services and human resources. Errol Stone, Sonnenschein’s former managing partner, will be chairman of Legacy’s board and will be closely involved in the management of the school. Additionally, the firm will provide pro bono legal advice on an ongoing basis and regularly donate equipment, including computers, and furniture to the school.
“As Sonnenschein approaches its 100th anniversary in 2006, we can think of no better way to give back to the community than to invest in its future through education,” said its chairman Duane Quaini. “But our commitment is more than financial. Everyone at the firm is enormously excited and enthusiastic about this initiative and contributing their time and talent to make the school a success.”
In its first year, Legacy Charter School expects to be open to students in kindergarten through second grade and will grow gradually each year thereafter. At full enrollment, expected in 2013, the school will have about 450 students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Lisa Kenner, former principal of Triumphant Charter Middle School in Chicago, will be the founding principal.
“Our goals for Legacy are very ambitious,” explained Stone. “Our curriculum and culture will emphasize justice. Legacy will set its students on a path toward a college education, independent and creative thinking, and responsible citizenship. In doing so, we hope to break the cycle of poverty in one of the most economically challenged neighborhoods in Chicago.”
The school will be operated through a separate not-for-profit corporation. In addition to Sonnenschein partners Quaini, Stone, Kevin Chavous, Leslie Davis and Robert Messerly, board members include: John Horan, dean of students, North Lawndale College Preparatory Charter High School; Licia Knight, education director, Lawndale Christian Development Corporation; Roderick Palmore, senior vice president, general counsel & secretary, Sara Lee Corporation; Judy Shelton, curriculum director, Ariel School; Robin Steans, trustee, Steans Family Foundation; Howard Sulkin, president, Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies; Debra Wesley-Freeman, president & CEO, Sinai Community Institute; and John Willis, managing director, Willis Stein & Partners, L.L.C.
Sonnenschein, with more than 700 attorneys and other professionals in nine U.S. cities and a global reach, serves the legal needs of many of the world’s largest and best-known businesses, nonprofits and individuals. For more information, visit www.sonnenschein.com.
