Lehigh Valley School Districts Wary of Strings Attached to Funding

January 11, 2010

Pennsylvania is eligible for $400 million in federal education grants and some of the money could benefit Northampton and Warren County school districts — if they apply for it.

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Some school districts, however, are worried about strings attached to money available through the Race to the Top initiative, which encourages innovation and reform in public education. The reforms include enhancing standards and assessments and improving data collection and teacher effectiveness.

Easton Area Education Association President Kevin Deely said he dislikes that some grants come with the condition that teacher pay be linked, in part, to students’ standardized test scores.

“Students don’t fit into a mold,” he said. “We don’t believe you can fairly and objectively measure somebody this way.”

Saucon Valley School District  has opted not to seek money through the initiative, Superintendent Sandra Fellin said. The extensive application process will likely result in minimal funding that won’t be guaranteed from year to year, she said.

Other district officials, including those at Bethlehem Area, said they can’t afford not to apply for grant money in this economy.

“I don’t think we’re in any position to turn any of this money away if we can put it to good use,” said Iris Cintron, the district supervisor of of grants.