Posted: Feb. 2, 2010

Elmbrook could receive more than $442,000 if Wisconsin is awarded funding in the federal Race to the Top program, intended to aid education reform.

The federal government wants the money to help states and local districts make such improvements as strengthening student assessments and benchmarks; enhancing the monitoring of and records kept about student performance; recruiting, training and rewarding top-notch teachers; and changing school cultures where needed, according to a speech by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan posted to the U.S. Department of Education's Web site.

Elmbrook School Board members recently agreed to have Board President Tom Gehl sign a memorandum of understanding stating that the district is interested in participating in the program if Wisconsin is selected to take part.

Signing the memorandum makes Elmbrook eligible to accept the funds without committing the district to participating in the program, Superintendent Matt Gibson said.

"It's getting the oar in the water in the front end," he said, "but it's not committing to anything without further development of a proposal."

Many details about the program are still unclear, including the types of requirements tied to the money. Likely, the district would need to spend the money on new expenditures, and it would need to be spent within a finite amount of time, said Eileen Depka, assistant superintendent for educational services.

Gehl said these details would be examined fully before Elmbrook commits to participation.

"It just sounds to me that there will be time to ask all those very legitimate questions before we're committed to anything," he said.

Wisconsin is seeking $254 million of the $4.35 billion in federal grants available under the program through the U.S. Department of Education. About 10 states are expected to win awards in the first round.

Local school districts had until Jan. 13 to submit a signed memorandum to the state. Elmbrook School Board members agreed to take that initial step Jan. 12. State officials were required to submit their application to the federal government by Jan. 19.

If Wisconsin is chosen to receive funding - results should be available in April, Depka said - Elmbrook will have 90 days to finalize a plan for spending the money. Or, if officials find requirements to be unpalatable, the district could withdraw from the program and forgo the grant dollars without penalty or further commitment.

FYI

• For more information about the U.S. Department of Education's Race to the Top program, visit www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop/index.html.

• For more information about Wisconsin's efforts to secure Race to the Top funding, visit dpi.wi.gov/sprntdnt/racetothetop.html.