WASHINGTON – Earlier today the U.S. Department of Education announced that the School Board of Miami-Dade County will be awarded $30 million as part of the Race to the Top competition.

Miami-Dade was the biggest district of the 16 applicants that were awarded over $400 million to go toward classroom innovation and improving student achievement.

“This is excellent news for Miami-Dade Public Schools and our community,” said U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20). “Race to the Top is a highly competitive nationwide initiative and this award exemplifies the dedication and commitment of everyone involved throughout this process. With this funding, we can help create a better future for South Florida’s children.”

Launched in 2009, the Race to the Top state grant program encouraged school districts from around the country to develop new and contemporary ideas that will revolutionize the 21st century classroom. Miami-Dade Public Schools was one of 372 applicants that applied for the funding.

For more information about the Race to the Top program and to see the list of all the award recipients, visit http://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop-district/index.html.