Although Ohio was lucky enough to receive Race to the Top funding after a mistake in New Jersey's application, every school district in Athens County decided not to apply.
Thanks to the federal fund, Ohio received $400 million to distribute to schools during the next four years. But in the Athens City School District, the teachers association, superintendent and school board all agreed not to apply for part of that grant.
That a school district in one of the poorest Ohio counties decided against more funding is just astounding. Six surrounding counties each will receive funds ranging from $100,000 to more than $500,000, but Athens County will receive $0.
"(Race to the Top) is too many strings for too little money," Athens City School District Superintendent Carl Martin said. "A lot of bureaucracy for no direct services."
The program funds cannot be used for direct services such as teachers' salaries and other expenses. But there should be a restriction against raising teachers' salaries.
Race to the Top was created to fund education innovation and reform, achieve significant improvement in student outcomes and improve high school graduation rates, not raise teachers' paychecks.
In neighboring Washington County, the Belpre City School District teachers union approved the decision to apply despite misgivings.
"(The teachers) had a lot of reservations but were willing to explore it," said Harry Fleming, Belpre's superintendent. "Any wage changes would have had to been negotiated anyway."
Despite repeated calls to the local teachers union, no one could be reached for comment this week.
Athens City School District should not have declined funding simply because of the limitations.
The district should be putting the students first. That is what education is about - the students.
