http://66.225.205.104/LM20110207.mp3
For those families who want to send their kids to magnet schools next year this is the last day to enter the CMS lottery. CMS offers 10 different magnet programs at 37 schools. They include the International Baccalaureate program and specializations in science, technology, and the arts. The district began taking applications in early January, when the school board was still considering budget cuts that could impact magnets. Ieisha Chukwu was one of several hundred parents who attended a district-wide magnet fair last month. She wants to send her son to Phillip O Berry which focuses on the sciences. "I read about how they have a lot of hands-on programs, which is what he needs to do. He doesn't like to just sit and read and listen all the time. He likes to touch and do things, so that's how his mind works. And so I think it would be better for him," says Chukwu. But her decision hinged on whether CMS would make any deeper cuts to magnet transportation. Her job would make it difficult to drive him the thirteen miles from southwest Charlotte to Phillip O. Berry. Chukwu got her wish. Two weeks ago the school board decided to keep magnet transportation as is. CMS doesn't know yet how this year's applications tally with previous years. The district will send out student assignments to families at the end of this month. A second magnet lottery begins in March and ends June 3rd.