SGA - Southern Governors' Association > "Race to the Top" -- Nearly Half of Finalists Represent the American South

"Race to the Top" -- Nearly Half of Finalists Represent the American South


SGA Info July 28, 2010 Education Southern Governors are dedicated to cultivating a skilled and motivated workforce in today's increasingly competitive global economy. They know that an innovative education system will foster the type of creativity reflected not only in the arts and humanities, but that is essential for a dynamic marketplace. In addition to the economic advantages held by an educated workforce, Southern Governors recognize the long-term impact that a comprehensive education has on the overall prosperity and quality of life in the American South, and are committed to enhancing educational opportunities for the learners of today and the future. On July 27, seven Southern states were among 19 finalists selected in the second round of funding in the U.S. Department of Education's "Race to the Top" grant program. More than $3 billion will be rewarded to states who present bold yet feasible plans for driving reform in public schools. With this unprecedented opportunity, Southern Governors have the chance to set the nationwide tone for raising standards, improving instruction, retaining effective faculty and turning around low-acheiving schools. Teams of state officials will travel to Washington, D.C. in August to present their state's grant proposals. Winners will be announced by early September. Here's what a number of SGA member Governors have to say about their state's participation in the "Race to the Top": Florida Governor Crist “Florida has worked diligently to bring together diverse support from superintendents, school board members, teachers and teacher associations for our Race to the Top application. I am confident our team will clearly communicate why Florida’s past and present success will ensure bold education reforms that are critical to Florida’s future.” Georgia Governor Perdue “This grant is an opportunity to further align funding and state education policies with our desired outcome of improved student achievement. Georgia has again demonstrated our credentials to be a Race to the Top winner and we are ready to begin implementing these reforms with our partnering school districts.” Kentucky Governor Beshear “We are thrilled to once again see Kentucky in the list of finalists for Race to the Top funding. Kentucky has shown repeatedly that it is a leader in education reform, and our selection reflects the high quality of our application and reinforces the validity of the work we are engaging in for Kentucky’s children.” Louisiana Governor Jindal "Today's announcement is further evidence that we are on track in our efforts to implement aggressive reform strategies to improve our schools. It's clear that Louisiana is making significant progress to provide a better education for our children, and this funding would allow us to intensify our current efforts." Maryland Governor O'Malley “We are honored to have been selected as a finalist and want to acknowledge all of our partners whose work made this recognition possible. To Maryland, this process has always been about more than simply a race for education dollars. We are developing long-term, strategic policies that ensure every child in Maryland receives the world-class education they deserve. Maryland remains the nation’s number one public school system, and it’s our goal to allow every Maryland student the opportunity to complete globally. We are grateful for the opportunity to advance as a finalist State and look forward to the work ahead of us in the coming weeks.” North Carolina Governor Perdue “To be selected as one of only 19 finalists out of a pool of 41 is tremendous recognition of the work we are doing here in North Carolina to ensure that all of our children have access to the best possible public education.” South Carolina Governor Sanford "We're encouraged by South Carolina's repeat selection as a finalist, and by the potential of meaningful reforms - including those we've championed for years, like merit pay for teachers and increased flexibility for charter schools - coming as a result of this grant process. We look forward to working with our state Department of Education to improve South Carolina's educational system and increase opportunities where possible." ### Southern Governors’ Association (SGA), founded in 1934, is the oldest and historically the largest of the regional governors' associations. SGA uses the power of connection, collaboration and communications in a bipartisan manner to solve regional problems, improve quality of life and secure an economically vibrant and prosperous American South.

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