At least five Utah school districts plan to vie for millions in federal cash as part of the U.S. Department of Education's Race to the Top District program.
The Granite, Ogden and Provo school districts plan to seek $20 million to $30 million each; the Morgan County School District will likely apply for $5 million to $10 million; and the Washington County School District plans to apply for $30 million to $40 million, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
The five districts are among 893 nationwide that have submitted letters saying they intend to apply for a chunk of nearly $400 million meant to support reforms aimed at personalizing learning, closing achievement gaps and preparing kids for college and careers.
"We hope to build on this nationwide momentum by funding districts that have innovative plans to transform the learning environment, a clear vision for reform and a track record of success," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in a statement Friday.
The department will likely award 15 to 25 grants. Applications are due Oct. 30, and awards will be announced by Dec. 31. Other districts may still apply without letters of intent, and the letters that have been submitted are not binding.
The department has previously held Race to the Top competitions for states as well. Utah, as a state, applied for a $175 million Race to the Top grant in 2010 but did not win one.
Twitter: @lschencker
