Baton Rouge, La. -- As previously announced, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is hosting a Race to the Top State Summit tomorrow, Thursday, November 5, from 1-4 pm. The event is open to the public.

Race to the Top is a $4.35 billion competitive grant opportunity sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE).  Only a handful of states are expected to benefit substantially from the federal grant. But if the state is successful in securing a portion of the federal award, Louisiana’s public education system could receive a minimum of $250 million for the purpose of raising school performance.

Participation in the Race to the Top application is voluntary for states, local districts and schools. For those that choose to participate, projected awards are estimated at $2 million per school.

The State Summit will provide participants with the opportunity to learn more about Race to the Top and how it can benefit the state, districts, schools and communities. The format of the Summit will also allow participants to review and comment on Louisiana’s current Race to the Top draft proposal.

“Our hope is that this event will draw the interest and participation of communities around the state, as we discuss how we can effectively secure and take advantage of this once in a lifetime chance to advance the performance of all our schools,” State Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek said. “The current draft is largely a culmination of the ideas and concerns that have been expressed by the education community over the last several months. And we are eager to hear their feedback to the working proposal, as well as give all stakeholders the opportunity to understand and contribute to Louisiana’s plan and application.”

Summit participants will:

• Receive information about the various components of Louisiana’s draft plan
• Interact with other stakeholders from education, government, business and the non-profit sector, who are also interested in Race to the Top
• Hear brief remarks from Paul Pastorek, State Superintendent of Schools (2 p.m.)

Other than Superintendent Pastorek’s remarks, all summit activities will be unscheduled, allowing participants to come and go at their convenience. 

The Summit will take place at the Claiborne Building, Thomas Jefferson Room, 1201 North Third Street in Baton Rouge.

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