Congratulations, Rhode Island: a Race to the Top winner!
In August 2010, the U.S. Department of Education announced that Rhode Island was selected for the federal Race to the Top program. The true winners are the students and educators of Rhode Island who will benefit from the $75 million in federal dollars to improve their schools and to close the achievement gap.
The Foundation was an ardent supporter of the state’s application for federal funds. Shortly after the
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| Education Commissioner Deborah Gist speaks passionately at a Race to the Top news conference, stating, “I am confident that we have the momentum, the sense of urgency, and the courage to do this right.” | program was announced, Foundation President and CEO Neil Steinberg stated, “We are committed to working with Commissioner Gist, and we applaud her vision of a Rhode Island where all students are ready for success in college, careers, and life. Race to the Top clearly represents an incredible opportunity for the state to make that vision a reality. It’s great to be in the company of two other distinguished funders – the Nellie Mae Education Foundation and The Broad Foundation – in support of this important effort.”
In announcing winners of round two funds, Education Secretary Arne Duncan said, "These states show what is possible when adults come together to do the right thing for children. Every state that applied showed a tremendous amount of leadership and a bold commitment to education reform. The creativity and innovation in each of these applications is breathtaking. We set a high bar and these states met the challenge." Rhode Island was one of only 10 applicants to receive funding in phase two.
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| The delegation that traveled to Washington, DC in August in support of Rhode Island’s Race to the Top application included (left to right) Jean Harnois, president, Rhode Island School Committee Association; Steve Smith, president, Providence Teachers’ Union; Senator Hanna Gallo; Senate President Teresa Paiva-Weed; Amber Johnson, senior at Classical High School and Rhode Island’s 2010 Poetry Out-Loud winner; House Speaker Gordon Fox; Neil Steinberg, president & CEO, The Rhode Island Foundation; Dr. Julie Nora, president, Rhode Island League of Charter Schools; Dr. Jennifer Smith, chief of transformation, Rhode Island Department of Education; and Former Representative Douglas Gablinske. | We congratulate the literally thousands of people who worked diligently on this effort spearheaded by Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Deborah Gist, the Rhode Island Department of Education, and the Rhode Island Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education.
Way to go Rhode Island! We're one step closer to putting up the state welcome sign: “Rhode Island: Home of the Nation's Best Public Schools.” |