Illinois loses chance on educational grants
SPRINGFIELD (AP) — The top education leader in Illinois is diappointed the state got shut out on federal money. But state schools Superintendent Christopher Koch says the reform agenda will proceed.
Click here to see the list of states that were selected (U.S. Department of Education website)
Illinois was a finalist twice for "Race to the Top" grants and hoped to get $400 million this time. But the U.S. Education Department named nine states and the District of Columbia as recipients in the final round of stimulus program funding.
Reforms paid for with the federal money must be continued with state funds. Koch says he doesn't know if Illinois' budget problems played a role in the state's loss.
He says there is already some federal money for changes and Illinois can gain from successes in the states that did get money.
