NC misses out on “Race to the Top” education grant

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina has missed out on the first round of education reform grants from the federal government.

A spokeswoman for Gov. Beverly Perdue confirmed Monday the state didn’t win an award in the “Race to the Top” competition. North Carolina was one of 16 states that were finalists.

A source told The Associated Press that the U.S. Department of Education chose Delaware and Tennessee for the first awards.

North Carolina’s application had sought $469 million over four years. Perdue and education officials had gone to Washington earlier this month to make a personal pitch.

“Race to the Top” is designed to encourage the use of innovative programs to improve student performance and transform struggling schools.