Board Supports Race to The Top Application

The Board of Education approved signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support New Jersey's second application to receive federal "Race to the Top" funds at Monday's meeting. 

"This is the first time they are putting competition into getting funding," said Superintendent Brad Draeger, who urged the Board to sign the MOU.

The Race to the Top competition is a centerpiece of President Obama's education reform efforts.  More than $4 billion in federal funds will be distributed to states who agree to work toward various reform strategies such as the provision in New Jersey's application to tie teacher merit pay to student achievement.

Although Livingston Public Schools doesn't know how much money it could receive if the state's application is accepted, the district will be guaranteed $100,000 if the state's application is accepted. Districts statewide were informed last week by the Department of Education that if they sign on to support the application, they will receive at least that minimum.