Hamilton may see $10 million in school funds

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By Andy Sher asher@timesfreepress.com

NASHVILLE — Hamilton County Schools system could see as much as $10.56 million if Tennessee wins its application for federal Race to the Top funds, according to preliminary state estimates.

Other area systems also would get a share of the onetime funding.

Administration officials released the figures for Hamilton and the state’s other 135 school districts Thursday to House Education Committee members debating changes to state law that Gov. Phil Bredesen says are necessary for the state to compete for Race to the Top funding.

John Morgan, deputy to the governor, cautioned committee members that the figures are tentative and based on Tennessee being one of the winners in a national competition and also getting all $485 million that officials are seeking.

That may not happen, although Bredesen administration officials believe Tennessee is in a good position.

Federal officials have said the money will be awarded to states presenting “bold” and innovative ideas to reform education. The chance at the federal cash prompted states to scramble for a piece of the pot.

Tennessee would share half the money with local education agencies that have agreed to participate.

Money will be allocated based on the federal Title I program, which provides money to school systems based on the number of poor children they have. Administration figures also show Bradley County schools could see $1.41 million while Cleveland schools may get $1.35 million.

Rep. Kevin Brooks, RCleveland, said that wasn’t his motivation for voting in favor of the measure as it came out of the House Education Committee Thursday afternoon. He said he spent a great deal of time consulting with the Cleveland and Bradley County school directors on various bill provisions.

“I was more concerned about. ‘Are you sure this is what my local teachers are going to be OK with?’ and other factors,” Rep. Brooks said.