Maryville, Tenn. — The Blount Education Initiative (BEI) praised Tennessee state leaders today for their successful efforts in securing $500 million in federal “Race to the Top” education funds, provided through a competitive process among states managed by the U.S. Department of Education. The funds exist as part of President Obama’s economic stimulus law, with some $100 billion total allocated for schools nationwide.
“The impact of recent grassroots, community-driven voices loudly calling to improve education in our state can now be quantified with results that Tennessee can take to the bank,” said BEI Executive Director Bonny Millard.
“Tennesseans are getting serious about education reform,” Millard said. “The grassroots level has urged our state lawmakers and executive branch to reach for higher ground – and they’ve delivered. Today’s results provide an incredible shot in the arm toward improvements that our students and school systems will experience first-hand.”
BEI joined with statewide education-reform group – Sen. Bill Frist’s Tennessee State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) – in lauding the state’s elected officials for supporting Tennessee’s bid to secure the $500 million, including Governor Phil Bredesen and Blount County’s Sen. Doug Overbey, Rep. Joe McCord and Rep. Bob Ramsey.
BEI and SCORE have encouraged local citizens and businesses to continue voicing support for education clearly and actively, through involvement in the school systems as well as through outreach to elected officials.
“BEI is funded by local businesses to promote community awareness and engagement about educational issues,” said BEI President Matt Murray. “As in any great democracy, the people are the real drivers of change. BEI is proud to serve as an organizing force behind this community’s advocacy for education, which is so critical toward securing economic development and future jobs.”
About Blount Education Initiative
The Blount Education Initiative’s (BEI) mission is to make education the Blount County community’s top priority by developing a sustained public awareness campaign focusing on the critical issues related to education, supporting local schools in their efforts to provide a top-notch education for all students and serving as a bridge between the educational community and businesses to develop meaningful collaborations.
Achieving consensus about education’s vital importance, and what forms of support are required to achieve educational excellence, requires an organized, concerted campaign involving information exchange, dialogue, learning and persuasion. That’s why BEI exists – to facilitate this process.
