From the Associated PressKentucky education officials say they are excited about being awarded $17 million in federal ``Race to the Top'' funding to improve K-12 programs. Although the award was less than requested, Education Commissioner Terry Holliday says the funding will be used to implement initiatives including new assessments for public schools, more rigorous academic standards and an expansion of a statewide math-science initiative. Kentucky had asked for $175 million in federal funding. The Education Department announced today that Kentucky is one of seven states to win a share of $200 million in federal ``Race to the Top'' funds. It was Kentucky's fourth attempt to secure funds from the program. The Obama administration has awarded billions of dollars in such competitions to encourage changes in education that it favors.
Rick Howlett was midday host and the host of LPM's weekly talk show, "In Conversation." He was with LPM from 2001-2023 and held many different titles, including Morning Edition host, Assignment Editor and Interim News Director. He died in August 2023. Read a remembrance of Rick here.