Naperville Dist. 203 throws hat in ring for federal stimulus dollars

Naperville Unit District 203 has decided to get on board with the Race to the Top competition for federal stimulus dollars.

The school board voted 5-0 Monday to take part in Illinois' bid for the money after sitting out the first round.

"Overall what happened between (round) one and two was greater flexibility given in how to meet some of the expectations so that's what makes this more acceptable to us but still gives us the ability to see what the devil is in the detail," Superintendent Mark Mitrovich told board members.

He said the district's participation can help the state and could have potential benefits for District 203. However, if Illinois wins, it is too soon to know how much of the money would make its way to Naperville, especially considering its lack of low-performing schools and small number of low-income students.

Only two states - Delaware and Tennessee - were chosen to receive the stimulus funds in the first round of Race to the Top. Illinois finished fifth among 16 states.

Ten to 15 states are expected to receive some of the $3.4 billion available in the next round.

States must show they are implementing education reforms such as adopting higher learning standards, tracking individual performance, tying teacher evaluations to student achievement and improving struggling schools.

In recent months, state lawmakers have been changing education legislation to coincide with some of the criteria so Mitrovich said they will ultimately affect the district whether it takes part in Race to the Top or not. He also said if Illinois is selected, districts still will have 90 days to opt out of the program if they so choose.

School board member Dave Weeks asked Mitrovich for a commitment that support of Illinois' Race to the Top bid is not a quid pro quo in return for state Superintendent Chris Koch's support on another grant District 203 is applying for. Mitrovich assured him it is not.