Wednesday, December 2, 2009

(Las Vegas) - Today, Senator Joyce Woodhouse, Chair of the Legislature's Interim Committee on Education, and Assemblywoman Debbie Smith called for a special committee hearing, scheduled for Friday, December 11, to review the current barriers for Nevada's application for "Race to The Top" nationwide competition and identify solutions to removing those barriers.    The "Race to the Top" competition is a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.   The competition is meant to spur innovation in the states to raise student achievement.  Through this program, Nevada could compete for up to $175 million in federal grant funds.

"It is our moral responsibility to do what is best for Nevada's school children. The federal government is offering Nevada $175 million and our schools, and our students, could use that money for new buildings, new books and new supplies to make their learning experience better," said Senator Joyce Woodhouse.  "We cannot let this opportunity for our children slip through our fingers.   It is the public's right to hear from our state government what needs to be done so Nevada's schoolchildren do not lose out.  And it is our responsibility to find a solution to this problem.  In these difficult times, we must ensure that money does not go to school children in other states because we have failed to act.  This is about protecting the future of our state- our children."

"It is very important that we bring everyone involved in this issue together to develop language that meets the Race to the Top criteria.  By doing that the legislature will be prepared to act quickly when the opportunity arises," said Assemblywoman Smith.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Alisa Nave, Nevada Senate Democrats, 702-307-9003

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