Landrieu Disappointed Louisiana Not Selected as Race to the Top Winner

Press Release

United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., commented on today's announcement by U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan that Louisiana was not one of the states chosen to win education funding through the Race to the Top program. Thirty-six states and the District of Columbia applied to compete for $3.4 billion in federal education grants. Last month, the Department of Education announced that Louisiana was one of 18 states to make it to the final round of the competition.

Nine states and the District of Columbia were named winners during Phase Two of the Race to the Top Competition. Louisiana was one of 16 finalists for Phase One of the Race to the Top Competition. Only two states- Delaware and Tennessee- were named winners during Phase One.

"Despite the disappointment of today's announcement by the Department of Education, the Race to the Top outcome will not stop Louisiana from moving forward with its bold, innovative and effective education reform plans. These efforts include a focus on teacher quality, school choice, and state intervention in the lowest-achieving schools.

"Secretary Duncan himself called Louisiana's education reforms and innovations a model for the nation. Louisiana's education reform process started many years ago and will continue well into the future.

"Superintendent Paul Pastorek, Superintendent Paul Vallas, and other reform leaders across the state will continue to have my support as we work to create top-notch educational opportunities for all children in Louisiana."

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