By Tony McVeigh
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkms/local-wkms-915131.mp3
Frankfort, Ky. – Kentucky is again a finalist for federal Race to the Top dollars. But as Kentucky Public Radio's Tony McVeigh reports, the state's education commissioner isn't yet ready to start popping any corks.
Race to the Top provides states with federal stimulus dollars for innovative efforts to improve education. In round one, Tennessee and Delaware shared $600 million. In round two, Kentucky is again a finalist, but Education Commissioner Terry Holliday still worries the lack of charter schools could hurt the state's application.
"We're just going to have to do the best we can and really do a great presentation when we go to DC, and try to overcome the charter school issue because the schools and school systems in Kentucky certainly need this shot in the arm right now."
That shot could be worth $175 million to Kentucky. Holliday believes 12 of the 19 finalists will receive funding. The states will make their final pitches next month.