Georgia joined 18 other finalists today as U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan named off the contenders for second round funding in the $4 billion Race To The Top competition.
Georgia, which placed third in phase one behind Tennessee and Delaware, stands to get up to $400 million over four years to implement its reform plans.
"While like the Oscars it is an honor to be nominated, we look forward to celebrating a win in this race," Governor Sonny Perdue said in a press release. "This grant is an opportunity to further align funding and state education policies with our desired outcome of improved student achievement. Georgia has again demonstrated our credentials to be a Race to the Top winner and we are ready to begin implementing these reforms with our partnering school districts."