Oregon Public Broadcasting

Federal officials have rejected Oregon’s bid for as much as $160 million in public school funding. Rob Manning reports.

41 states applied for grants from the Race to the Top fund. Oregon’s application emphasized innovations like a teacher-incentive, and the state’s unique computerized testing system.

Finalists were chosen based on a 500-point scoring system. Oregon is among 25 states that failed to make the next stage.

Governor Ted Kulongoski and state schools’ superintendent Susan Castillo issued a joint statement expressing disappointment.

But they emphasized that they can re-apply for a second round – after they’ve gotten feedback from federal officials on their first application.

The fifteen state finalists and the District of Columbia are expected to defend their applications the week of March 15th. But likely not all will receive grants.

Seven of the finalists are southern states. The federal Education Secretary, Arne Duncan had the final say on which states advanced. His home state of Illinois was named a finalist.