The Snoqualmie Valley School District has joined 200 other Washington school systems in a competition for federal education reform funds.

The board voted Thursday, May 13, to participate in Race to the Top, a competitive grant program created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

If state funding is approved, Snoqualmie would join other school districts in receiving a $500,000 grant.

Governor Chris Gregoire announced the state’s interest in the program in March, signing into law a number of education bills which included a commitment to compete for a spot in the $3.4 billion Race to the Top program’s second round.

The school board must sign a partnership agreement defining local grant responsibilities.

Race reforms

Race to the Top is a federal program that rewards states that implement significant reforms in education.

Reform areas include:

• Adopting standards and assessments that prepare students for success

• Preparing, recruiting, supporting and retaining effective teachers and principals

• Improving the use of data to inform and improve practices

• Turning around the lowest performing schools

Already started

Some of the grant requirements may be part of state legislation, Snoqualmie Superintendent Joel Aune said. Other requirements are already being explored by the district.

“It appears much of the work we’ve been doing or intend to do is fairly aligned,” he said.

If Washington successfully receives funding from the program, $250 million will go towards kindergarten through 12th grade education.

Snoqualmie Valley’s commitment bumps the total number of Washington school districts involved to 216 out of 295.

Districts will have until Monday, May 17, to indicate their participation. The state will submit a grant application on June 1. Finalists will be announced in August.