WHAT: Some 400 of Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic school students, teachers, administrators and school parents will join more than 1,500 of their counterparts from nonpublic schools around Illinois to rally in favor of school choice and other programs.

Following the rally, participants will meet with state representatives and state senators to seek their support on issues of importance to non-public schools, including expansion of the tuition tax credit, vouchers, funding for the state’s Textbook Loan Program and the Parent/Guardian Transportation Reimbursement Program, as well as Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s education reform proposals. During 2003, several programs, including tax credits, the textbook loan program, non-public school recognition and the transportation reimbursement program were targeted for elimination in the Illinois legislature.

“Nonpublic schools perform an essential service in Illinois and, in some ways, that has been recognized by our public officials,” said Zach Wichmann, associate director for Education, Catholic Conference of Illinois. “However, more needs to be done and our voices, especially in the upcoming debate over how education should be run in Illinois – and by whom – must be heard.”

WHEN: Wednesday, March 3, 2004
10:45 a.m. to noon (rally)
noon (rally participants meet directly with state representatives and senators)

WHERE: State Capitol Building Rotunda
2nd and Capitol Streets
Springfield, Ill.

WHO: Approximately 2,000 students, administrators, teachers and parents of children from Catholic and other nonpublic schools throughout Illinois, including 400 from Archdiocese of Chicago schools. Legislators and school choice movement leaders will address rally participants. Most Reverend George J. Lucas, Bishop of Springfield, Ill., will lead participants in an opening prayer.

VISUALS: Rally participants will carry signs and voice their concerns on issues importance to non-public schools.

Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools
The Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Chicago play a critical role in the life of the community by providing academic excellence and faith formation for approximately 117,000 students of many races, faiths and backgrounds in the 283 elementary and secondary schools in Cook and Lake counties. There are more than 6,400 teachers in the Catholic school system who instill values, teach discipline and achieve strong, consistent academic results in the Archdiocese of Chicago's 242 elementary and 41 secondary schools. Visit the Archdiocese of Chicago Web site at www.archchicago.org/schools.