Friday, December 16, 2011
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and State Superintendent Janet Barresi today issued the following statements in reaction to a White House announcement that Oklahoma will not be included on the list of Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge grant winners.
Gov. Mary Fallin:
“Oklahoma delivered a strong application, and my thanks go out to State Superintendent Janet Barresi, Education Secretary Phyllis Hudecki and the many other individuals who worked to put it together. It is disappointing the Obama Administration has once again chosen not to name us as a Race to the Top grant winner.
“Despite today’s news, Oklahoma remains a leader in the field of early learning. With over 70 percent of our four year olds participating in some form of early learning program, it will continue to be important to develop and improve our pre-kindergarten services. Today’s announcement does nothing to diminish my commitment to supporting quality early childhood education in Oklahoma.”
State Supt. Janet Barresi:
"While we are obviously disappointed that Oklahoma was not selected, we know our state delivered a very competitive application. I am proud of the multi-agency endeavor that developed the application, and I thank Governor Fallin for her leadership. I join Governor Fallin in a shared commitment to continue to find ways to boost learning opportunities for Oklahoma preschoolers, especially for those living in poverty. Our reforms depend a great deal on academic success in the early grades. We must redouble our efforts to ensure Oklahoma children are ready to learn when they enter kindergarten."