Governor Pat Quinn signed a bill last week sponsored by State Senator Ed Maloney (D-Chicago) creating more opportunities for students to attend the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences for the 2012-13 school year.

Signed on December 30, Public Act 97-0648 takes effect immediately and will expand enrollment from 600 to 720 students. Two House Amendments to the bill stipulate at least half of each incoming class enrollment be reserved for those who live near the school.

"I am grateful to Governor Quinn for signing this bill so quickly because it allows Principal William Hook to take advantage of this expansion in the upcoming school year," Senator Maloney said. "This is a high-demand, well-recognized agriculture business and science program, and this will produce even more job candidates for this key Illinois industry."

CHSAS provides Chicago area high school students who are strong in math and science studies opportunities to pursue studies and careers in the agriculture business and science fields. Open since 1985, the school produces college and university scholarship and internship candidates, and its focused curriculum motivates students to stay in school. The school also provides much-needed opportunities for special education students.

The school is nationally known as the premier model for secondary agricultural education and a benchmark for other ag schools in the U.S.