PROVIDENCE, RI - Today, after the U.S. Education Department announced Rhode Island will receive up to $75 million in the second round of the Race to the Top school reform grant competition, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement:

"I congratulate our teachers, principals, administrators and local officials for working together to win this education improvement grant. This was a team effort and it will require a strong spirit of collaboration to put this funding to work strengthening our education system.

"Now that Rhode Island has been awarded the money, the race to the top begins in earnest. The state must turn its ambitious ideas into real improvements that show up in the classroom. Administrators, teachers, parents and students must seize this opportunity to improve our schools and challenge every student to succeed.

"With these kinds of resources, the state has got to be able to measure the results to show the public where it is gaining, where it is lagging, and how it can continually improve. Our success depends on leadership, teamwork, and accountability throughout our school system.

"Education is the greatest economic development tool we have and the Obama administration has made an unprecedented commitment to improving our schools. The funding for this grant was included in the Recovery Act, and it is another example of how the stimulus is providing massive resources to Rhode Island. Indeed, the Recovery Act has brought over $1.5 billion to help the state invest in jobs, education, infrastructure, and economic activity. Rhode Island was hit harder than most by the Bush recession, and this is another example of the Obama administration and the Congressional delegation responding to our situation.

"I applaud President Obama and Secretary Duncan for making this unprecedented investment in Rhode Island's schools and will continue doing everything I can at the federal level to help the state succeed."