Today’s edition of The Greenville Advocate features a special edition of Whatever It Takes, the Newsletter of the Butler County School System. In these six-pages you will find information of the system’s newest school, the Butler County Magnet School, scheduled to open in Georgiana in time for Fall 2009. The school will effectively consolidate Georgiana High School and R.L. Austin Elementary School.

The BCMS will be an open-enrollment school for the magnet program, allowing students from McKenzie, Greenville, and students from outside of the county opportunities to participate in what the school has to offer. RLA students and Georgiana High School students will also have the option of participating in the magnet curriculum, but can decide to take traditional courses of study as a zoned student of the school.

Additionally, specialized instruction in digital design, engineering and health will be offered for secondary students interested in pursuing occupations in these fields after completion of high school. Elementary school age children can take advantage of the school’s fine arts, technology, career explorations, and foreign language programs. Inside today’s newsletter you will find complete descriptions of the magnet classes, as well as an example course grid for elementary magnet students, secondary magnet students, and traditional students. A helpful “Frequently Asked Questions about the Butler County Magnet School” is also available to help parents and decide whether or not the magnet program is right for their student.

“The magnet school is another exciting element in the Butler County School System’s transformation process,” said Superintendent Mike Looney. “As this new program begins, please rest assured our regular programs in schools will continue to improve, and will also offer quality programs and services to all of Butler County’s boys and girls.”

Completion of the Butler County Magnet School will represent the symbolic “crown jewel” of the school system’s renovation and construction projects. More importantly, though, the school will ensure greater opportunities for children in Butler County by offering an expanded math, science and technology curriculum that will prepare students for a promising future.