At its Jan. 12 meeting, the Appoquinimink School District’s Board of Education approved to sign a Memorandum of Understanding that pledges to support the state’s application for the U.S. Department of Education’s Race to the Top competition.
A total of $4.35 billion will be awarded to states around the country that develop innovative plans for achieving education reform. Delaware is now competing for up to $110 million of that funding.
Superintendent Dr. Tony Marchio said in order for the district to receive any funds, they must sign the MOU and adhere to guidelines the Delaware Department of Education sets.
He said there would possibly be a great financial benefit in participating and the state’s objectives are in line with the district’s current strategic plan.
“The changes that may come about from participating will be occurring anyway, so there would not be a benefit to our not signing,” Marchio said. “We have saved countless positions because of stimulus money we received in the past. When times are tough, other forms of funding have to be considered.”
The motion passed with board members Edna Cale, Julie Johnson and Donna Skinner in favor, Joanne Christian against, and Norm Abrams abstained.
Joanne Christian said she believes if the state were to be awarded funding, the Appoquinimink School District would be on the low end of the receiving line, and the district would have to adhere to very strict guidelines.
“I don’t want to see my teachers beat up,” she said.
Christian said she commends Marchio for doing what he can to make sure the district receives the funds it needs, but she is proud of how much the district has achieved on its own.
“We wanted sign language in our schools and we coughed up the money to make it happen,” she said. “I’m proud that we don’t need to catch up to anyone else or race to any top.”
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Marion Proffitt said that as the state’s policies for Delaware schools are changed, it is crucial that representatives from the district be involved in the process. If the district decided not to participate, that option may not be available.
“I always like to say I was there fighting,” she said. “This is an opportunity to take those great things we’re doing to the table.”
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At its Jan. 12 meeting, the Appoquinimink School District’s Board of Education approved to sign a Memorandum of Understanding that pledges to support the state’s application for the U.S. Department of Education’s Race to the Top competition.
A total of $4.35 billion will be awarded to states around the country that develop innovative plans for achieving education reform. Delaware is now competing for up to $110 million of that funding.
Superintendent Dr. Tony Marchio said in order for the district to receive any funds, they must sign the MOU and adhere to guidelines the Delaware Department of Education sets.
He said there would possibly be a great financial benefit in participating and the state’s objectives are in line with the district’s current strategic plan.
“The changes that may come about from participating will be occurring anyway, so there would not be a benefit to our not signing,” Marchio said. “We have saved countless positions because of stimulus money we received in the past. When times are tough, other forms of funding have to be considered.”
The motion passed with board members Edna Cale, Julie Johnson and Donna Skinner in favor, Joanne Christian against, and Norm Abrams abstained.
Joanne Christian said she believes if the state were to be awarded funding, the Appoquinimink School District would be on the low end of the receiving line, and the district would have to adhere to very strict guidelines.
“I don’t want to see my teachers beat up,” she said.
Christian said she commends Marchio for doing what he can to make sure the district receives the funds it needs, but she is proud of how much the district has achieved on its own.
“We wanted sign language in our schools and we coughed up the money to make it happen,” she said. “I’m proud that we don’t need to catch up to anyone else or race to any top.”
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Marion Proffitt said that as the state’s policies for Delaware schools are changed, it is crucial that representatives from the district be involved in the process. If the district decided not to participate, that option may not be available.
“I always like to say I was there fighting,” she said. “This is an opportunity to take those great things we’re doing to the table.”
