NASHVILLE – The Hamilton County Schools system could see as much as $10.56 million in one-time money over a four-year period if Tennessee wins its application for federal Race to the Top funds, according to tentative state projections.
Bradley County schools could receive $1.41 million, while Cleveland city schools may get $1.35 million. For Marion County schools, the amount could be $740,000. In Rhea County the figure is $847,000, and for Dayton city schools it’s $236,000.
Bredesen administration officials today released the figures for Hamilton and the state’s other 135 school districts to House Education Committee members. The move came as the panel continues to debate changes to state law that Gov. Phil Bredesen says are necessary for the state to compete for Race to the Top funding.
Deputy Gov. John Morgan cautioned committee members that the figures are tentative and based on the state winning the entire $475 million officials are seeking in federal funds. The money is being awarded to states presenting “bold” and innovative ideas to reform education and has produced a scramble among states across the nation.
Tennessee would share half the money with local education agencies that have agreed to participate. The funds are based on their existing federal Title I percentage allocations. Title I funds programs for students on free and reduced lunches, a measure of poverty.
The money could be spent only on reform measures such as professional development. It is not intended to be spent for recurring programs, and officials say school systems in financial straits cannot use the money for those purposes.
Senate Finance Committee members were hoping to complete their version of the bill later this afternoon and send it on to the Senate floor. The deadline for the state’s application is Tuesday.
For complete details, see tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press.