Let your kids race to the top!
Just when you think US public schools can't get any lower on law makers' priorities, this happens. Three states that accepted millions of federal education dollars have yet to keep the promises they made to get that money. New York, Florida, and Hawaii were among several states that applied for and won "Race to the Top" program dollars. As part of the application process, they promised to improve methods of teacher evaluation and increase enrollment in charter schools as well as implement other reforms. But recent state reports suggest that those millions in federal funds have yet to benefit children in the above three states. There's even talk that New York, Hawaii, and Florida might have to repay the money. In New York, Race to the Top dollars were withheld from ten school districts that were involved in union disputes, according to the Huffington Post. One of those districts was New York city. Tell New York, Hawaii, and Florida state officials to keep their children in the race and make sure Race to the Top funds are used as promised.
We the undersigned respectfully ask that you reread the applications you wrote for Race to the Top money. By applying for millions of dollars in federal education money, you made promises to children and teachers that should take first priority in your state. Don't let school children be, once again, the victims of bureaucracy. Implement the reforms you promised so that your children can stay in the race.
