In Case You Missed It... What Others Are Saying

The following individuals and leaders from around the state have commented on Gov. Rick Perry’s decision not to apply for federal Race to the Top funding:

“The Governor is right - the history of federal legislation is more paper work and eventually a settling of requirements that leads to mediocrity. We don't need the federal dollars. We do need stable, appropriate, long term funding of our schools within our budget. We do need local parents involved in their schools with a timely, meaningful voice. We do need well paid teachers and administrators and appropriate facilities. We do need a system that encourages creativity and best practices. All of these issues make successful schools - none of them are provided by federal dollars - nor should they be. The Governor is right and this move toward more federal involvement in our local schools will ultimately diminish our voice and control of the education of our children.”
-Paul Sadler, former Chairman of Public Education, Texas House of Representatives (Dallas Morning News, Jan. 16, 2010)

“Any attempt to impose a national curriculum and testing system is a likely precursor to a federal takeover of public schools.”
-State Board of Education Resolution

“What I think most Texans believe is don't take stimulus dollars if it’s got strings attached that could end up costing us more in the long run than the benefits we are getting.”
-Rep. Larry Phillips (KTEN News, Jan. 15, 2010)

“Those are factors that you have to consider also to make sure we're doing what's best and also that we can fund it for future years.”
-Dr. Al Hambrick, superintendent, Sherman Independent School District (KTEN News, Jan. 15, 2010)

“…the federal requirements do not fall in line with our districts objectives for the future.”
-Canyon Independent School District (KFDA TV, Jan. 14, 2010)

“…concerned anytime the federal government entrenches on state's rights and local control of public education with the lure of money.”
-Amarillo Independent School District (KFDA TV, Jan. 14, 2010)

“As it is, these federal funds would have only been available for two years, and thus would not have allowed us to hire new employees.”
-Mark Youngs, deputy superintendent, Keller Independent School District (Fort Worth Star Telegram, Jan. 14, 2010)

“We can’t jump at every worm they dangle out in front of us without knowing what kind of standards it might mean for our children. We don’t know if the standards will be higher or lower than what we have now. What it does is eliminates us from having any part in the development of any standards. I think it is foolish on our part to think Texas won’t be expected to be measured against them at some point.”
-Janice Cooper, superintendent, Lake Worth Independent School District (Fort Worth Star Telegram, Jan. 14, 2010)

“The federal government is trying to dictate to the states what to do and, in some cases, that may not be a bad thing but in Texas we are further along than some of the other states are.”
-Jimmy Loredo, assistant superintendent of finance, Ysleta Independent School District (El Paso Times, Jan. 14, 2010)