Governor Jan Brewer Announces Arizona's Participation in Second Round of Race to the Top Competition

Press Release

Governor Jan Brewer Announces Arizona's Participation in Second
Round of Race to the Top Competition

Governor Jan Brewer today announced that Arizona will apply for the second round of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's Race to the Top educational funding competition.

"Following on the heels of unveiling the State's new model for economic development, comes the decision to apply for the second round of Race to the Top," said Governor Brewer. "Our mission is to reinvent Arizona's competitiveness at all levels by building upon its business strengths and its history of innovation."

As Arizona approaches its centennial celebration, it is racing to retool itself for high performance in the next 100 years. It is building upon the five C's of citrus, copper, cattle, cotton, and climate to include a new economy focused on the "abcde's" of aerospace, biotech, computer chips, development and (solar) energy.

"Race to the Top has the potential to catalyze necessary and systemic reforms in education to enable our students to be successful and competitive in today's global marketplace," said William Harris, President and CEO, Arizona Science Foundation Arizona. "Our state must be recognized for its independence and its commitment to excellence -- particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Governor Brewer's leadership in moving this application forward is an important step for education in Arizona.

"It's simple, our business success is directly linked to the quality of Arizona's educational system," said Richard Condit, Senior VP and Chief Administrative Officer for Sundt Construction. "Race to the Top is one important strategic part of improving education in Arizona." I believe Arizona has significant assets and experience and can compete well in the competition. We are the
little train that could -- we will keep climbing the mountain until we succeed and excel."

"High-quality and high performance education is critical to the future and economic vitality of our State," said Phil Francis, CEO, Petsmart. "RTTT asks for bold ideas and gives us the opportunity to build a quality, coordinated roadmap for improving education in powerful new ways over the next decade."

"Arizona's future economic prosperity must be built now on the shoulders of a career and college ready workforce," said Steven Seleznow, President and CEO of Arizona Community Foundation. "The Governor's unyielding push for Race to the Top funding demonstrates a clear commitment to reforming the way our schools prepare young people for that future."

"I'm delighted that Governor Brewer has announced Arizona's decision to apply for the second round of Race to the Top funds," said Dr. Carol Peck, Chair of the Governor's P-20 Coordinating Council. "Creating a plan to guide AZ in improving public education is both necessary and commendable. Regardless of whether or not Arizona receives Race to the Top funding, the collaborative efforts to make the state's public schools among the nation's finest deserves all of our support. We need to continue along this path."

"Recent increases in Arizona high school graduation requirements in the areas of mathematics and science will better prepare our students for higher education and the high-tech jobs we want to grow in our State," said Vicki Balentine, President, Arizona State Board of Education and Superintendent of Amphitheater Public Schools. "Innovative performance pay programs for teachers will help grow and attract the most qualified educators to Arizona's classrooms."

"Race to the Top has the potential to support investments in education technology and improve the quality of education in a broad array of areas," said Senator John Huppenthal, Chair of the Senate Education Committee.

"The U.S. Department of Education awarded funds to only two states in the first round so a majority of other states' are in the same position," said Representative Rich Crandall, Chair of the House Education Committee. "Arizona learned a tremendous amount from the other states' applications. Legislative action on concepts like "Move on When Ready" shows that the state is highly committed to education reform."

The goal for our higher education system has been to double baccalaureate degrees by 2020 and now is the opportunity to strengthen the capacity of our K-12 system to enable us to achieve this goal.

The state has retained the services of two nationally recognized firms to assist with the application process, WestEd and EducationCounsel.

Building on its history of innovative reform, Arizona will transform its educational system by implementing policies and processes needed for students to benefit from effective instruction year after year.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, Arizona is eligible to receive between $150-250 million.

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