Posted at: 10/26/2009 6:56 PM
By: David Springer

Stimulus Dollars for Minnesota Education

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- The state of Minnesota took a first look into its own crystal ball today in an attempt to find the next big thing in education.

At stake, hundreds of millions of dollars in federal stimulus dollars.

Is the next big idea for Minnesota schools inside this room? State officials sure hope so. They're looking for ideas that will help Minnesota compete against other states and win its share of more than 4-billion dollars in federal stimulus education money.

"They're looking for bold new steps from states. States that are ready to go out there with innovative ideas," says Karen Klinzing, Assisstant Commissioner for the Department of Education.

No set amount has been announced, but there are estimates Minnesota could win anywhere from 150-million to 400-million dollars or more.

"It's a pretty substantial amount. Especially in these times," says John Alberts of the Austin School District.

"I think I can speak for most districts, at least the ones I work for, could all use extra funds. I don't know any that couldn't," says Jeff Hyma of Education Minnesota.

The trick is getting it. And the money can't be used for just anything. The applications have to be centered on high standards, effective teaching, quality data systems and the ability to turn around struggling schools.

Fortunately, educators say Minnesota is one of 14 states that have already been classified as competitive.

"Minnesota has a tradition of taking those bold steps. So we're looking for the public consensus about what some of those new 21st century, innovative, bold steps can be," says Klinzing.

Today's meeting in Rochester was the first of ten taking place throughout the state over the next three days.