Senator Yager Announces Race To The Top Funds For District 12 Schools
March 31, 2010

State Senator Ken Yager (R-Harriman) today announced funds coming into Senate District 12 as a result of the Race to the Top competition.  Tennessee will receive approximately $500 million and Delaware $100 million over the next four years to implement a bold plan that will improve public education in the state of Tennessee.

“This will be a tremendous boost to help our schools improve student achievement,” said Senator Yager.  “I am very pleased these funds are available to our schools and that Tennessee was successful in implementing meaningful education reform.  It will help us raise our graduation rates and increase the number of college-bound students.  I look forward to seeing the progress that will be made upon full implementation of the program.”

According to Yager, a schedule presented to members of the General Assembly showed the following funds will be distributed over the four-year period in Senate District 12, which he represents:

-       Campbell will receive $2.2 million

-       Fentress will receive $866,465

-       Morgan will receive $857,856

-       Rhea will receive $873,272

-       Roane will receive $1.64 million

-       Scott will receive $975,760

-       York Institute will receive $198,142

All amounts are estimated on the state receiving $485 million; however, officials believe the state will receive approximately $500 million.  The allocations are based on the school systems distribution of Title I funds.

According to legislative liaison Dr. Bruce Opie who appeared before the Senate Education Committee today, the money could be available to schools as soon as July.  Opie said the state Department of Education will soon be providing school systems with guidance and samples of the “scope of work” that can be performed under the program.  He said school systems will also benefit from professional development programs being put into place on a statewide basis.