SACRAMENTO – Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez, D-Los Angeles, and Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, D-Santa Monica, expressed disappointment today that California is not a finalist for a federal Race to the Top grant, but said they look forward to discussions on applying for a grant in the second phase.

“California made a serious, bipartisan effort to compete for federal Race to the Top funds, and I am disappointed we were not included in the first round of funding awards,” Pérez said. “The Assembly remains absolutely committed to improving California schools and ensuring sufficient support for public education.”

“California’s Legislature made substantial statutory changes aimed at improving student academic performance and positioning the state to win federal education dollars to help close the achievement gap that leaves many California students behind,” said Brownley, chairwoman of the Assembly Committee on Education. “I look forward to reviewing the comments the Obama Administration makes on the quality of the grant application submitted by our governor and to discussions about further changes we may wish to consider in applying for a grant in the second phase of the program.”

The Assembly Committee on Education took a thorough, collaborative approach to examining potential revisions to California’s education system under Race to the Top guidelines. The committee held four informational hearings and two hearings on specific legislative proposals. It heard from parents, teachers, school administrators, state education officials, civil rights groups, non-partisan fiscal analysts and academics.

“We took to heart the collaborative effort emphasized in the Race to the Top guidelines to improve academic achievement by all students in the state,” Brownley said.

Contact: Speaker’s Press Office (916) 319-2408 or Linda Rapattoni (Brownley) (916) 319-2041