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Pennsylvania Officials to Make Case for Federal 'Race to the Top' Education Reform Funding

"We are looking forward to making our case for why Pennsylvania has become a national leader in education reform and why it should be among the few states that continue to lead the way through Race to the Top initiatives," Zahorchak said, noting that Pennsylvania is eligible for up to $400 million in federal funds for its education reforms.

Pennsylvania was recently named among the 16 finalists for a Race to the Top grant. A team of representatives for each of those finalists - 15 states and the District of Columbia - will have private meetings with federal education leaders this month to discuss their respective grant applications.

Secretary Zahorchak will discuss and explain Pennsylvania's application along with:

    --  Donna Cooper, Secretary of Planning and Policy for Governor Edward G.
        Rendell;
    --  Dr. Arlene Ackerman, Superintendent of the School District of
        Philadelphia;
    --  Dr. Linda Lane, Deputy Superintendent for Pittsburgh Public Schools; and
    --  Dr. Lawrence O'Shea, Executive Director of Delaware County Intermediate
        Unit 25.

By including officials from the state's two largest school districts and one of its 29 intermediate units, Zahorchak said Pennsylvania's team will be able to provide federal officials with comprehensive, detailed information on education reforms at all levels.

Media contact: Michael Race, 717-783-9802

Editor's note: The PDE Press Office can provide full biographical information on Pennsylvania's representatives for the March 17 meeting.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education