Comsewogue BOE Sends Back Race to The Top Money

Last night at a workshop meeting, the Comsewogue Board of Education decided the best way to show their solidarity in protecting student data was by returning state funds supplied for the Race to The Top program.

On Facebook, board member Alexandra Gordon said, "Proud to announce that Comsewogue BOE just passed a resolution to return our Race to the Top funding in order to protect our students private data."

Race to the Top (RTTT) is a program designed by the United States Department of Education as a way to spur innovations and reforms in school districts. The Race to the Top Fund website says it's plan is to accomplish four things; adopt standards and assessments that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace, build new data systems that measure student growth; recruit, develop and reward effective teachers, and turn around lower achieving districts.

However, the program offered very little funding, relies heavily on student test scores to deem teachers effectiveness, and collects student data for future analysis. 

Beth Dimino, president of the Port Jefferson Station Teachers Association (PJSTA) said she thinks Superintendent Joseph Rella made the right call to ask for the boards support in sending the funds back.

"The PJSTA stands in solidarity with Dr. Rella and the Comsewogue BOE's decision to return the RTTT funds," said Dimino. "The strings attached to those monies serve only those groups that are working to destroy public education."

The next board meeting is Monday, Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. in District Office.