Florida may ask for $1 billion in Race to the Top funds

NOVEMBER 19, 2009

Florida's application for a share of the $4.35 billion federal Race to the Top fund could become a $1 billion request, Florida Education Commissioner Eric J. Smith told reporters in a conference call yesterday. Federal guidelines say big states like Florida should aim for changes in the $350 million to $700 range, but they also say states can shoot for more if they want.

In a related development, the state issued this summary of its still-developing application, which offers the most clues yet about where the state wants to go. There are a few dozen proposals here, in a wide range of areas, but it's not clear how far-ranging many of them might be. The application is due by Jan. 19.

Posted by Ron Matus at 8:29:59 am on November 19, 2009 in

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Gradebook features education articles and insights on schools in Florida, focusing on Tampa Bay area schools. What's the latest from the Florida Department of Education? How is the FCAT being used to compare Florida schools? What's going in on in Tampa Bay schools? Get an insider's view from the Times education reporting team.

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Rebecca Catalanello covers Pinellas County schools. E-mail her: rcatalanello@tampabay.com.

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