Last week we learned that the Marathon School District will recieve money from two federal sources- approximately $230,150 in Education Jobs funding and approximately $50,000 in Race to the Top funds. The Jobs money can be used to restore jobs, create jobs, or prevent the elimination of jobs. It can also be used for staff development, extended school day services, and salary increases. The funds must be "obligated" by September 30, 2011, which means that the use of the funds may be spread out over two years (2010-2011 and 2011-2012). The Race to the Top funds are even more restricted. The details are not out yet, but, basically, the funds will be used to build State and National data systems that will allow us to measure student and teacher performance through standardized test scores.
One of my axioms has always been that "Action at a Distance" is always wrong. Even when well intentioned, federal regulations and funding are an extremely inefficient mechanism to make needed changes and investments in our local schools. The paperwork burden is tremendous and not always rational, and often (as in the case of Race to the Top) these funds are an instrument to force somebody else's priority and agenda onto the local schools.
Obviously, the additional money helps, and we will work hard to invest this money in ways that comply with regulations and still provide the greatest long term benefit to our children and community. The Board of Education will proceed with caution as they deal with this, and all, promised money from the State and Federal government. We maintain a healthy skepticism and never forget that it is our job to protect the people of Marathon.
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