By Scott Pohl, WKAR
LANSING (MI) –
The Lansing Board of Education tonight will hear a presentation on how the district could benefit from the federal "Race To The Top" funding program.
Late last year, lawmakers passed a series of education reforms to become eligible to apply for the money. Governor Granholm signed those changes into law.
If chosen, Michigan could get as much as $400,000,000. Lansing schools could pick up $3,000,000 from "Race To The Top".
School Board president Hugh Clarke Jr. says Lansing would be left out if paperwork deadlines are missed this week and next.
"I liken this to a baseball game," Clarke says. "It's general seating, and you can't get in the ballpark if you don't have a ticket. It doesn't mean you'll get a seat, but you at least need a ticket to get in."
The Lansing School Board will also make leadership decisions tonight, and Clarke says he is not seeking another term as president. He has led the board for two years. Clarke says he doesn't know who might be selected to the post tonight.