The Humble school district is withholding judgment in determining if they will “race to the top.” Modifications to educational funding in President Obama’s newly unveiled budget proposal focus on two key programs, while eliminating a third. Although the district has not yet had time to investigate the potential impact on local schools, Superintendent Guy Sconzo commented on potential outcomes.

The budget proposes to increase investments in improving outcomes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as early learning programs.

Sconzo said that he would welcome competitive funding for these programs. “Those are two areas where the investment in funding yields major returns for students. Additionally, I appreciate the President’s effort to allow local school districts to consider applying for Race to the Top funds, without having to go through the state,” he said. Sconzo added a caveat, however.

“There are currently unanswered questions about strings that may be attached to Race to the Top funding, but in time, I hope we get that information and have the chance to decide for ourselves if it is a program we want to pursue,” he added.

The “Race to the Top” program builds data systems that measure student growth, recruits and develops effective educators, and focuses on low-achieving schools. Another key program, “Investing in Innovation,” provides funding for improvement in  K-12 achievement gaps and teacher effectiveness, and increases high school graduation rates. Race to the Top is slated to receive $1.35 billion, and the Investing in Innovation Fund will receive $500 million.

Although support for technology will be included within these two programs, Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) will be eliminated. The program has been the sole source of federal funding that specifically supports education technology, and was designed to support integration of technology into classrooms with a goal of improving student academic achievement.

Sconzo explained that although funds had been received by Humble ISD from EET in the past, the district was not relying on that money to finance local programs.

“We have received approximately $56,000 in ‘Enhancing Education Through Technology’ funds from the federal government. It came to us in the form of Title II Stimulus funds, so we knew those funds would not be recurring into the future,” Sconzo said.

Inferences within the budget point to changes in student assessment methods from those currently mandated through No Child Left Behind. While details of these changes have not yet been released, Sconzo stated without hesitation that legislation does need major overhauling.

“It has placed many mandates on school districts that are unfunded and in some instances conflict with state requirements.”