SUPERINTENDENT CARVALHO INVITES UTD PRESIDENT ARONOWITZ TO WASHINGTON FOR RACE TO THE TOP PRESENTATION

MIAMI - Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho has invited United Teachers of Dade (UTD) President Karen Aronowitz to accompany him to Washington, DC when Florida makes its Race to the Top presentation to the United States Department of Education on August 11th.

“Ms. Aronowitz and UTD have been incredibly supportive of our mission throughout this phase of the process,” said Carvalho.  “That support was vital in helping Florida become a finalist in Race to the Top funding.”

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan named Florida a finalist in the federal Race to the Top Phase 2 Competition on July 27.  Superintendent Carvalho was asked to be a part of the presentation team, which includes Florida Governor Charlie Crist; State Education Commissioner Eric J. Smith and Florida Education Association President Andy Ford. 

“I am delighted to accompany Superintendent Carvalho and our team to Washington to speak on behalf of Florida students and teachers.  Race to the Top funds will give our district the ability to craft innovative programs that can bring creative and exciting education to students,” said Aronowitz.

In May, Superintendent Carvalho was named by executive order to head Florida’s Race to the Top Working Group.  Under Carvalho’s leadership, the Working Group reviewed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) supporting the state’s application for the Race to the Top grant, and worked to foster broad stakeholder support for it.  “Ms. Aronowitz was steadfast in her support as we worked on this MOU,” said Carvalho, “and I am proud to have her join us as we travel to Washington for the presentation.”  Aronowitz was also appointed by Carvalho to a local MOU working group.

The United States Department of Education sponsors Race to the Top to provide $4.35 billion to states that lead the way with ambitious yet achievable plans for implementing coherent, compelling and comprehensive education reform. Florida was selected as one of 16 finalists for Phase 1 of the Race to the Top grant, having been awarded the fourth highest number of points for its application.  $3.4 billion remain available to states for Phase 2 of the Race to the Top grant.  If Florida’s proposal is selected, Florida could receive up to $700 million in federal funds to implement locally developed, comprehensive education reform plans.

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