Governor Carcieri greets AFT RI President Marcia Reback as Commissioner Gist looks on.

At a news conference earlier today, hosted by the Foundation, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Deborah Gist announced a broad coalition, including 11 of the state's teacher's unions, 100% of charter schools, and nearly 100% of all school districts had signed on to the state's second round Race to the Top application, which could bring $75 million to Rhode Island to reform public education in the next four years. Governor Carcieri, Congressman James Langevin, Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed, Speaker of the House Gordon Fox, President of the RI Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals Marcia Reback, and President of the Rhode Island School Superintendents Association Colleen Jermaine were all gathered at the Foundation for the announcement, which also drew other statewide leaders.

"We are thrilled to be working in partnership with state and local officials, teachers, teachers' unions, parents, and students to advance a mutual goal - to ensure an outstanding public education for our state's students," said Neil D. Steinberg, president and CEO of the Foundation and a member of the Race to the Top steering committee. "We are proud of the process that has resulted in a stronger, better Race to the Top proposal that, when successful, will enhance educational opportunities for all Rhode Island students."

Neil D. Steinberg

To view media coverage of the press conference, click here.
http://www.wpri.com/dpp/news/local_news/providence-ri-schools-race-to-the-top-in-round-2