November 23, 2011
State Board of Education President Kirst,
Schools Superintendent Torlakson Issue
Statements on Race to the Top Round Three Submission
SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today issued the following statement regarding California's submission seeking federal Race to the Top Round Three funding [http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/seven-states-apply-race-top-round-3-funds]
:
"I'm disappointed that federal officials have chosen to reject California's application instead of evaluating it with the flexibility necessary to provide much-needed funding for California's schools.
"Our application represented a good faith effort to continue to work toward the federal reform priorities of implementing Common Core standards and improving data sharing among school districts. I had hoped the federal Administration would be mindful of the financial emergency facing California's schools and the severe constraints it has placed on state resources."
State Board of Education President Michael Kirst issued the following statement:
"I am very disappointed that the U.S. Department of Education did not accept California's approach to secure Race to the Top funding. California's application stressing local innovation was unique in the federal competition. It did not rely on centralized top-down state policies or mandates."
