R.I. gets help in applying for federal education funds
10:43 AM Tue, Oct 20, 2009 | Permalink
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Three major philanthropic organizations have volunteered to provide the state Department of Education with a total of $245,000 to ensure that Rhode Island has a better chance to receive federal Race to the Top education funds. The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation will provide RIDE with $95,000, the Nellie Mae Education Foundation will commit $75,000 and the Rhode Island Foundation has offered $75,000. "We are so grateful for this generous support from three of our finest philanthropic organizations devoted to improving public education," state Education Commissioner Deborah A. Gist said Tuesday. "With this help, we can be sure that our application for federal (monies) will be among the strongest from any state." If successful, Rhode Island could receive as much as $100 million to help close achievement gaps and enhance learning for all, Gist said. RIDE will use the money from the three foundations to hire national experts to work with state education staff in preparing a strategy for education reform. The grant application requires that the state describe in detail how Rhode Island would use the money to support school reform, especially improving teacher effectiveness, turning around low-performing schools, building better data systems and establishing high standards and assessments. "We're thrilled to be working with our partners to support the commissioner in this effort," said Nellie Mae Education Foundation President and CEO Nicholas C. Donahue. "This is a tremendous opportunity to to help secure funding that could help move important reform efforts forward." Dan Katzir, managing director of the Broad Foundation, said that Rhode Island students stand a strong chance of benefiting significantly from the federal funds, which could enable the state's public education system to be among the top in the nation. And Neil D. Steinberg, president and CEO of The Rhode Island Foundation, said he applauds the commissioner's vision of a Rhode Island where all students are prepared for success in college, career and life. 
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