Newark charter school to honor READS founder

Keenan commended for work supporting state's charter schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEWARK -- Marion P. Thomas Charter School will honor READS president Brian Keenan at its annual Fathers for Our Children event on June 18.

Keenan, who founded Real Estate Advisory and Development Services six years ago, has been an advocate and supporter of charter schools across New Jersey, including Marion P. Thomas.

“I am at once humbled and deeply honored to receive this award,” said Keenan, a Metuchen resident. “Marion P. Thomas Charter School is an outstanding school. As someone who grew up with a learning disability and ADHD, never did I think I would be developing schools, and never did I think I would be honored for my work. This award has really moved me.”

Fathers for Our Children is a presentation from students of Marion P. Thomas Charter School to men who serve as role models in the community. The ceremony will be held at Victoria Theatre in the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

Proceeds from the event provide scholarships for the graduating eighth-graders, who go on to top-ranked high schools that require tuition support.

This year students already have been admitted to schools for the fall that include The Taft School, The Peddie School, Seton Hall Preparatory School, Saint Benedict's Preparatory School, Mother Seton Regional High School, and Marist High School.

READS is a nonprofit real estate development company, based in Metuchen and committed to building strong organizations and communities through innovative real estate development. Since its inception in 2003, READS has helped dozens of charter schools to obtain and build facilities that meet their needs.

In 2005 READS assisted Marion P. Thomas Charter School purchase a school facility on South Seventh Street. READS is now working with Marion P. Thomas on a $3.4 million expansion of that facility that will add 12 new classroom to the site and an all-purpose room, creating a charter school campus.

READS is also developing a new facility for Marion P. Thomas, on Sussex Avenue. This $25 million project will be a state-of-the-art charter school facility housing more than 6oo children.

For more information, call Keenan at (732) 635-1000.

On the web:
www.readsusa.org
www.mptcs.org