Post by title1parent on Aug 25, 2010 18:41:52 GMT -5
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/2633490,2_1_AU25_RACETOTOP_S1-100825.article
Illinois loses out in Race to Top education funding
August 25, 2010
By STEPHANIE LULAY slulay@stmedianetwork.com
It could have meant $400 million to Illinois schools, including many in the Fox Valley.
But the U.S. Department of Education announced Tuesday that Illinois will not be one of the nine states that will receive a share of $4.35 billion in the federal "Race to the Top" school reform funding.
Race to the Top is a federal program in which states compete for funds for specific school improvements. The competition has instigated a wave of reforms across the country.
Almost every school district in the Fox Valley submitted proposals to be included in any funding granted to the state.
West Aurora schools spokesman Mike Chapin said there were many innovative programs the state wanted to launch with Race to the Top money.
"We weren't counting on it, but it would have been a nice thing for Illinois schools to have," Chapin said.
East Aurora schools spokesman Clayton Muhammad said that while he is disappointed, there were solid collaborations made between districts and the state in the process of trying to win Race to the Top funding.
"Our grant writer shared that there will be more opportunities for funding later on," Muhammad said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Illinois loses out in Race to Top education funding
August 25, 2010
By STEPHANIE LULAY slulay@stmedianetwork.com
It could have meant $400 million to Illinois schools, including many in the Fox Valley.
But the U.S. Department of Education announced Tuesday that Illinois will not be one of the nine states that will receive a share of $4.35 billion in the federal "Race to the Top" school reform funding.
Race to the Top is a federal program in which states compete for funds for specific school improvements. The competition has instigated a wave of reforms across the country.
Almost every school district in the Fox Valley submitted proposals to be included in any funding granted to the state.
West Aurora schools spokesman Mike Chapin said there were many innovative programs the state wanted to launch with Race to the Top money.
"We weren't counting on it, but it would have been a nice thing for Illinois schools to have," Chapin said.
East Aurora schools spokesman Clayton Muhammad said that while he is disappointed, there were solid collaborations made between districts and the state in the process of trying to win Race to the Top funding.
"Our grant writer shared that there will be more opportunities for funding later on," Muhammad said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.