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Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Governor Beshear Announces Kentucky Named Finalist for Race to the Top Education Award
Kentucky among 15 award finalists; could win $200 million for schools
 FRANKFORT, Ky. – Governor Steve Beshear and Education Commissioner Terry Holliday applauded the news today that Kentucky is among 15 finalists for the first round of Race to the Top (RTTT) funding.
“We are very excited to see Kentucky in the list of finalists for the first round of Race to the Top funding. The state’s selection is a reflection of the application’s high quality and reinforces the validity of the work in which we are engaging for Kentucky’s public school system,” said Gov. Beshear and Holliday in a joint statement.
“With the combined efforts of the Governor’s office, the Department of Education and the General Assembly, Kentucky has become a strong contender for these federal funds. The next step is preparing to defend our application to a panel of reviewers in Washington, D.C. who will make the final decisions on winners. Regardless of the outcome, we will continue to move forward with our vision for public education as laid out in 2009’s Senate Bill 1,” said Gov. Beshear and Holliday.
Kentucky could receive up to $200 million if chosen as a winner among the finalists.
Members of Kentucky’s congressional delegation also offered their support and congratulations.
“This is very encouraging news for our efforts to improve the quality of education in Kentucky,” said 3rd District Congressman John Yarmuth. “This was a very competitive process, and I applaud the Governor and the General Assembly for acting quickly to approve legislation ensuring the Commonwealth would have the strongest application possible.”
“Improving our educational system in Kentucky and throughout the nation is critical for our children and our long-term competitiveness around the world,” said Congressman Geoff Davis, of Kentucky’s 4th district. “Being chosen as a finalist reflects the outstanding efforts of educators and students alike who strive to improve education in the Commonwealth.”
“Our country will rise and fall based on how we educate our children,” Congressman Ben Chandler, of Kentucky’s 6th district, said. “This could be a big opportunity for Kentucky’s children. Kentucky’s status as a finalist brings the Commonwealth one step closer to receiving these Recovery Act funds to develop new, innovative ways to educate our children and move our state forward.”
About Race to the Top
The federal RTTT fund is a $4.35 billion competitive grant program, designed to reward states that are improving schools in four areas:
- Enhancing standards and assessments;
- Improving the collection and use of data;
- Increasing teacher effectiveness and achieving equity in teacher distribution; and
- Turning around low-performing schools.
RTTT is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The U.S. Department of Education will announce “Race to the Top” awards in the spring and fall of 2010.
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