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Home > Race To The Top > Questions and Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. If our school system signs an MOU, are we committed to participating should Maine be selected as a winner?

    No. Your school administrative unit (SAU) may sign the MOU with intentions to participate, but choose later to withdraw. Since the RTTT funds are distributed according to Title I formula, the funds would be redistributed according to the formula to the other participating SAUs. If a significant number of SAUs drop out the USED may reevaluate our application and reduce or withdraw it.
  2. Can SAUs choose to join in the RTTT initiative later – after the application has been submitted?

    No. SAUs wishing to participate in Maine’s Race to the Top application must submit a signed MOU and Scope of Work to the Department by May 14, 2010. There is no option to join subsequently. This was a state decision to submit the strongest proposal possible since the number/percentage of SAUs participating is so important to the overall goals of Race to the Top.
  3. Is it a requirement that the local teachers association sign the MOU in order for an SAU to participate?

    No.  It is only a requirement for participation in Maine’s RTTT application that the MOU and Scope of Work be signed by the superintendent. However, we strongly encourage SAUs to seek the signatures of the school board chair and association president as having all three will make a significant difference in the implementation of the plan and in the scoring of our application by the U.S. Department of Education.

    It is important that we show the U.S. Department of Education in our application that we have strong interest and willingness to work toward education reforms that benefit our students.
  4. What documents must be signed by the SAU to participate in Maine’s RTTT application?

    The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the Scope of Work checklist. Both can be found on the Department’s Race to the Top web site: www.maine.gov/education/racetothetop

 

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