State plans for school innovation

• By WILL SENTELL
• Advocate Capitol News Bureau
• Published: Nov 1, 2009

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Up to 130 public schools, including some in Baton Rouge, could be in for a financial windfall if Louisiana is one of the winning states in the federal “Race to the Top” contest.

The state was listed as a top contender for the money months ago by Education Week magazine.

“I still feel like we have a good opportunity,” said state Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek, who is spearheading the state’s proposal.

A public hearing on the draft plan, which is triggering criticism from two teacher unions, is set for 1 p.m. Thursday.

Pastorek says the state, if it is one of 12 or so picked, could collect $250 million of the $4.4 billion federal pot of money, mostly for troubled schools.

Federal officials say they are looking for states that are creating the conditions for education innovation and reform.

Under Louisiana’s plan, schools that volunteer to make sweeping changes in their operations could receive up to $500,000 per year for four years.

East Baton Rouge Parish school district officials are considering taking part, said Chris Trahan, spokesman for the district. Details of any participation have not been worked out, Trahan said.

Pastorek said state applications will be due by the first or second week of January. Winners are expected to get the money in time for the 2010-11 school year.

What schools that get the funds would have to undergo depends on the school performance scores they received in the annual state report card.

A top score is 180-200. The state average this year is 91. Schools that score below 60 face state sanctions and eventually takeovers if they fail to improve.

If 130 schools take part that would represent about 10 percent of the statewide total.

The state’s tentative proposal calls for: