Gates Foundation gives boost to KIPP schools in Houston

From The Houston Chronicle: The Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP), Houston's largest chain of charter schools will receive financial help from The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation so KIPP can continue its aggressive expansion plan. The credit support from the foundation will enable KIPP to save $10 million and help the charter system start construction on new campuses. KIPP's $100 million expansion plan had stalled because of difficulties securing credit in the bad economy. In the next five years, KIPP hopes to increase enrollment in its Houston schools to 11,500 from 4,500.