Business Editors

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 2, 2000

Charter Schools USA and Centex Rooney Construction Company Join Forces

to Provide One-Stop Shopping for Their Clients

Charter Schools USA and Centex Rooney Construction Company have formed

Business Editors

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 2, 2000

Charter Schools USA and Centex Rooney Construction Company Join Forces

to Provide One-Stop Shopping for Their Clients

Charter Schools USA

and Centex Rooney Construction Company have formed a strategic alliance that combines the two companies' expertise in the education industry. Under this first of its kind arrangement, both companies will be able to offer a turnkey approach to clients who are interested in establishing charter schools.

Charter Schools USA (CSUSA) has been involved in many charter school "firsts." CSUSA currently operates the nation's first municipally-organized charter high school, the first charter school-in-the-workplace and one of the nation's largest charter schools. Centex Rooney, a division of Centex Construction Group, the nation's largest domestic general builder according to Engineering News Record, has built more than 75 schools, colleges and university projects. Together, this alliance will ensure the highest level of facility delivery and management, as well as the best in value for corporations, municipalities, developers and nonprofit organizations interested in establishing charter schools.

"This innovative alliance means that clients can come to us for a complete, one-stop education solution," said Jonathan K. Hage, president and CEO of CSUSA. "We can service them from the application process through the site acquisition, financing, construction, school opening and operation of the school. By doing so, we can ensure that all of the elements for superior education achievement will be in place."

"At Centex Rooney, we are committed to taking a leadership role in improving the quality of education across the country," said H. Jessie Brewer, senior vice president of Centex Rooney's education division. "We are directly involved in building the careers of students by building educational facilities, and by creating a variety of scholarships and sponsorship programs. We are excited to add CSUSA's expertise to our design/build capabilities. By partnering with CSUSA, we will be able to provide the charter school organizer with a more comprehensive approach to the development and management of schools."

CSUSA operates public charter schools that are free from most state and local bureaucratic rules, with a focus on high academic standards and accountability. CSUSA schools are characterized by high standards, safe environments, experienced and qualified teachers, low student to teacher ratios and integrated technology. CSUSA schools also require students to wear uniforms and require extensive parental involvement.

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Charter Schools USA (CSUSA) has been involved in many charter school "firsts." CSUSA currently operates the nation's first municipally-organized charter high school, the first charter school-in-the-workplace and one of the nation's largest charter schools. Centex Rooney, a division of Centex Construction Group, the nation's largest domestic general builder according to Engineering News Record, has built more than 75 schools, colleges and university projects. Together, this alliance will ensure the highest level of facility delivery and management, as well as the best in value for corporations, municipalities, developers and nonprofit organizations interested in establishing charter schools.

"This innovative alliance means that clients can come to us for a complete, one-stop education solution," said Jonathan K. Hage, president and CEO of CSUSA. "We can service them from the application process through the site acquisition, financing, construction, school opening and operation of the school. By doing so, we can ensure that all of the elements for superior education achievement will be in place."

"At Centex Rooney, we are committed to taking a leadership role in improving the quality of education across the country," said H. Jessie Brewer, senior vice president of Centex Rooney's education division. "We are directly involved in building the careers of students by building educational facilities, and by creating a variety of scholarships and sponsorship programs. We are excited to add CSUSA's expertise to our design/build capabilities. By partnering with CSUSA, we will be able to provide the charter school organizer with a more comprehensive approach to the development and management of schools."

CSUSA operates public charter schools that are free from most state and local bureaucratic rules, with a focus on high academic standards and accountability. CSUSA schools are characterized by high standards, safe environments, experienced and qualified teachers, low student to teacher ratios and integrated technology. CSUSA schools also require students to wear uniforms and require extensive parental involvement.

Founded in 1997 by Hage, CSUSA is one of the nation's leading and fastest growing K-12 charter school development and management companies. CSUSA provides school outsourcing for corporations, municipalities, developers and nonprofits, and assists with all stages of charter school design, planning, development, construction, marketing, financing, human resources, curricula and school operations. CSUSA is headquartered at 6245 N. Federal Highway, 5th Floor in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For more information, please call 954/202-3500.

Founded in 1933 by Frank J. Rooney and purchased in 1978 by Centex Corporation (NYSE:CTX), Centex Rooney is one of the largest and oldest commercial builders in the Southeast. Centex Rooney is currently building educational facilities for 12 school districts, five colleges and state universities, and four community colleges. Centex Rooney is headquartered at 6300 N.W. 5th Way in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For more information, please call 954/771-7122.