RACE TO THE TOP

What is Race to the Top Funds? It is the largest education initiative in President Obama’s economic stimulus package It will provide only a small number of states with tens of millions of dollars to implement innovative, ambitious education improvements $4.35 billion dollars will be awarded Delaware is seeking $75 million

Initially, it was believed that states would receive RTTT funds. It now appears that only states will receive funding. Delaware’s share of funding could increase from $75 million to $110 million, giving each district a larger share of the funds.

Delaware’s plan is outlined in a report called “Delaware’s Plan to Strengthen Our Schools”

Key Elements of the plan include: Improving student readiness for post-secondary and workforce opportunities by implementing rigorous college and career ready standards and valid and reliable high quality assessments Improve teacher effectiveness and equitable distribution of qualified teachers for all students Effective use of longitudinal data system Turning around persistently low-performing schools.

Each of these areas is already addressed in the Appoquinimink School District Strategic Plan.

Race to the Top is a grant program, so states must submit proposals and compete with each other In order for local school districts (LEA’s) to receive any funding from the grant, they must sign an MOU pledging to support the state application. The teacher’s union must sign the MOU also.

By signing the MOU, we must agree to do the following: Implement the plan as written Share findings and results in a timely manner through active participation or written communication Participate in any evaluation of the grant Be responsive to any requests for information concerning the grant.

Path Forward The Department will pass regulations to conform to the mandates of the grant The Department of Education will prepare the final MOU The signed MOU’s must be received by January 14, 2010 If Appoquinimink plans to participate in this grant, both the teacher’s union and the board must sign the MOU by the January 12, 2010 Board of Education Meeting

My Recommendation----sign the MOU! The monetary benefits could be greater than originally anticipated. The objectives in the MOU are in alignment with our strategic plan. Being a partner in the process would put the ASD in a position to help shape the final product.

……….continued The other major stakeholders have already agreed to the terms of the MOU. Delaware’s chances of receiving any funding is predicated on all districts signing the MOU The collective bargaining agreements that are already in place would be honored.

…….continued We have received stimulus funding before without excessive entanglement. These funds will help ease the hardship that we are facing from severe budget cuts. The changes that may come about because of these funds will be occurring anyway, so there would not be a benefit to our not signing.