Gov. Quinn names key education council

'Race to the Top' for federal funds starts with new P-20 panel

[December 02, 2009]  CHICAGO -- Gov. Pat Quinn made 23 appointments Tuesday to the P-20 Council, a key advisory panel that will make recommendations to the governor about strengthening our education system. The P-20 (preschool through graduate school) Council will play an instrumental role in Illinois' quest to win approximately $400 million in federal "Race to the Top" discretionary funds.

"With these appointments, Illinois is sending a strong signal to Washington that a top-notch education for all students is a foremost priority," Quinn said. "This council will recommend improvements that will make our education system the best it can be, while ensuring Illinois is at the head of the class when it comes to winning those important federal 'Race to the Top' funds."

The U.S. Department of Education "Race to the Top" is a $4.35 billion competitive grant process focused on innovative approaches to education. Illinois could receive approximately $400 million in discretionary funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The 23 appointments made by the governor include business leaders, teachers, parents, civic groups, university, community colleges and school officials. There are four legislative members on the council and six ex-officio members from state agencies. The appointments include Chicago City Clerk Miguel del Valle, who will chair the council.

[Text from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]