Manatee schools 'Race to the Top'

The Florida Department of Education on Jan. 4 announced the Manatee County School District as one of 11 statewide to receive Race to the Top funding.

More than $25 million is being given to Alachua, Calhoun, Clay, DeSoto, Gulf, Hendry, Holmes, Manatee, Pasco, Putnam and Washinton county schools.

“My congratulations go out to each of these districts for being the first to access their Race to the Top funding and getting a jumpstart on their local education reform efforts,” Florida Education Commissioner Dr. Eric Smith said in a press release. “We are moving full steam ahead on a track of unprecedented improvement in our schools, and I’m looking forward to more of our districts receiving this important funding in the weeks ahead."

Applications for the remaining 54 grant-eligible districts are still being evaluated. All award notices are expected to be sent out by the end of January.