DJOU STATEMENT ON HAWAII WINNING “RACE TO THE TOP” FUNDING 

Washington, DC — Congressman Charles K. Djou (HI-01) issued the following statement today in response to the news that the State of Hawaii has been selected as a winner in President Obama’s “Race to the Top” education grant program: 

“I am elated that Hawaii has been named a winner in the “Race to the Top” federal grant program. I am glad that the bold leadership of Governor Lingle has not gone unnoticed. Today’s big winners are our children.

“I have consistently advocated for reforming our national education system in a way that puts children first. I support President Obama and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in their efforts to revitalize our failing school systems. Many of the reforms they are calling for are the same ideas that I have championed for years.

“We need more accountability from our principals and our teachers for the performance of our children. We need to empower and encourage parents to be more involved in their children’s education. We must ensure that our schools have the resources they need to adequately carry out their mission.

“While today’s news is promising, it is just the beginning. The road to success in the public school system is long, but with the kind of resolve that the State of Hawaii has displayed, it is not one that is impossible.”

Background:

On August 24, 2010, nine states and the District of Columbia were selected as winners in Round 2 of Race to the Top.

While officials must still review each state’s budget to allocate funding through the $4.35 billion grant program, Hawaii is expected to receive its requested amount: $74,984,851.

Race to the Top is an historic federal investment in education reform, with $4.35 billion available to support states in their comprehensive reforms. The Department is reserving $350 million for a separate competition to support consortia of states that are creating the next generation of assessments that will support reform. 

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