Statement from Governor David A. Paterson on Race to the Top Funding

ALBANY, NY (08/24/2010)(readMedia)-- "I am proud to announce that today New York State has been awarded $696,646,000 in Race to the Top Round II stimulus education funding. During these difficult economic times, this funding will go a long way to ensure that our State's children are given greater opportunity and access to a quality education. This new funding will help provide the foundation for academic success and the emergence of a new generation of leaders and achievers for New York State.

"This funding would not have been possible without the Legislature approving my proposals to lift the State's charter school cap, link teacher evaluations to student performance, and provide resources to implement a data system that tracks individual student performance. In addition, the hard work of the State Education Department to ensure our application was the strongest it could be was recognized by this significant award for New York's schools. Moreover, I know the support of our New York Congressional Delegation was key to our success.

"I would like to thank President Barack Obama for his commitment to our nation's children, and Education Secretary Arne Duncan for pushing the President's strategy forward and for recognizing that New York State is worthy of these important dollars. These funds will be directly invested in our children's futures, which I am confident will lead to a bright and prosperous future for New York State."

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