Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today announced that Ohio was selected to receive $400 million as part of Phase II of the Race to the Top Competition. Kucinich wrote to Secretary Arne Duncan urging consideration for Ohio’s application.

“Educating our children is the most important investment that we can make in America’s economy, and a robust public education system has been the bedrock of our democracy. Our public schools and our public school teachers have been trusted to safeguard our most precious natural resource. We have the responsibility to make sure they have the resources necessary to do their jobs. I have long supported efforts to increase resources for education. That is why I supported this program and Ohio’s application,” said Kucinich.

Race to the Top is a program run by the Department of Education to encourage states to create ambitious plans to implement effect comprehensive education reform. Being selected a winner means that Ohio is leading the way as a national role model for effective education reform. Ohio’s plan has the ambitious goals of increasing high school graduation rates, reducing graduation rate gaps by 50%, reducing performance gaps by 50%, reducing the gap between Ohio and other states, and more than doubling the projected increase in college enrollment of students aged 19 and below.

“I commend Governor Strickland, Superintendent Delisle, and Board President Cain for all of their efforts to put together a comprehensive and effective plan for Ohio that included the voices of teachers and other stakeholders. Ensuring the health and education of the next generation will guarantee Ohio has the educated workforce that a 21st century green economy demands,” added Kucinich.

 

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