A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

   FOR EMBARGOED RELEASE:  2:45 p.m. EDT          Contact:  Tom Lyon    July 6, 1994                                       (202) 401-1220

ALOHA STATE IS FIRST TO RECEIVE GOALS 2000 FUNDS; $409,227 WILL DEVELOP SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN

HONOLULU, July 6 -- Hawaii today became the first state to receive federal funds under the new Goals 2000: Educate America Act, the education reform measure signed into law by President Clinton on March 31.

The funds, totaling $409,227, will be used to develop a comprehensive school improvement plan that includes the use of technology to improve student achievement. Additional funds will be available in subsequent years to implement the plan.

In making the announcement today at a visit to Princess Miriam K. Likelike Elementary School, U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley said, "This is a momentous occasion. For those of us who believe strongly in higher standards for all students, the long wait is over. Today, the federal government becomes a better partner with states and communities in working to overhaul our struggling schools and create an education system worthy of this great nation."

Consistent with the Goals 2000 Act (P.L. 103-227), the state's application spells out a process for developing a school improvement plan. Specifically, Hawaii will initiate the following steps:

  1. Form a broad-based state panel appointed collaboratively by Gov. John Waihee and State School Superintendent Herman Aizawa.
  2. Solicit and develop ideas for generating public interest in improving education through the Goals 2000 Act and soliciting applications from the general public for participation on the panel.
  3. Name a blue-ribbon committee to review applications and select Goals 2000 panel members.
With broad public input, the panel will then draw up a comprehensive improvement plan for Hawaii's schools, based on higher standards for all students.

The application also describes a process for awarding subgrants within the state and contains a detailed budget for expending the funds. An updated Strategic Plan for Information Technology completes Hawaii's application.

Riley said seven other Goals 2000 applications are pending.

Hawaii's share of $86.5 million in fiscal year 1994 funds is calculated on a formula based on previous allocations under Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. States have until June 30, 1995, to apply for first-year funds. Any monies not allocated will be distributed among states with approved applications.

Under provisions of the new law, at least 60 percent of the first-year funds must be passed on to local education agencies, increasing to at least 90 percent in future years.

Riley is visiting Hawaii as head of the U.S. delegation to the Asian-Pacific/North American Dialog meeting and to deliver a keynote speech to the Education Commission of the States National Forum.

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