Will MCPS sign State "Race to the Top" application? Weast says no.

The Maryland State Department of Education's Draft Race to the Top Application is now online for public review and comment. 


The Baltimore Sun's Inside Ed blog has reported that MCPS is not supporting the State's Race to the Top application. That report was collaborated by Superintendent Jerry Weast's own statement at the March 9, 2010, Board of Education meeting when he announced that MCPS should file their own, separate Race to the Top application. 


The March 9, 2010, Board of Education meeting included discussion of Race to the Top legislation pending in Annapolis. The Board of Education voted 6 - 1 to oppose Race to the Top legislation SB0899 Education Reform Act of 2010.

Here is the Board of Education meeting video.

Go to minute 34 and you will hear the Board of Education discussion of this Race to the Top legislation, including Superintendent Jerry Weast's statement that "slogan's don't work" and "why seek a solution to a problem that you have already solved."

Superintendent Weast says is that he is advising that MCPS as a system go after the Race to the Top funds because MCPS qualifies by itself. (Minute 39)

MCPS Board member Laura Berthiaume was the only Board member to support State Race to the Top legislation SB0899.

How much will it cost MCPS in administrative staff time to file their own, separate Race to the Top application? The State's draft application is 259 pages. Take a look at what is involved in this application process. 

What will be the damage to the State's application if MCPS doesn't sign on? 

What does it accomplish for MCPS to refuse to sign on to the State's Race to the Top application?