Race to the Top Working Group Begins Race for Education Funds

On Monday morning, the governor who vetoed legislation that could have given Florida an advantage in the federal Race to the Top for educational reform told his appointed group of educational professionals, lawmakers and others to find a new way to give Florida an edge in the competition for $4.35 million in federal funds.

Theres been no question that Floridas been pretty darn bold, and we have been a pretty reform-minded state, Gov. Charlie told the Race to the Top Working Group in a brief address.

Crist had the opportunity to show how bold Florida was in education when SB 6, a measure authorizing teacher performance pay, came to his desk. He decided to veto it, prompting praise from teachers' unions and driving a rift between him and members of the Republican-controlled Legislature.

Crist didnt refer directly to the vetoed bill, but he told the group that the federal money from Race to the Top, which Florida came in fourth for in the first round oft the competition and thus didnt qualify for the money, was important to properly fund education for the states children.

The group now has until Friday to get its recommendations to Crist.