SUPERINTENDENT CARVALHO TRAVELS TO WASHINGTON FOR RACE TO THE TOP, COMMENTS ON $26 BILLION JOBS BILL

MIAMI – Miami-Dade Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho has traveled to Washington, DC for Florida’s Race to the Top presentation to the United States Department of Education scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 11.

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.

While in Washington, Carvalho spoke to PBS’s Nightly Business Report regarding a $26 billion jobs bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives today.  The jobs bill earmarks $544 million for Florida, of which Miami-Dade could receive $72 million, based on current school enrollment figures. 

Carvalho told Nightly Business Report that in Florida, children are victims of the recession.  "We are a point where the cliff is before us, and right now, if this funding stream were not to arrive, we probably would not be able to rehire about 800 teachers  brand new teachers  some of the most qualified, energetic, driven people, back into the classroom." 

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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