18 Minn. school districts competing for millions in US grants

More than a dozen Minnesota school districts are vying against other districts nationwide for millions of dollars in federal education grants.

The 18 Minnesota school districts are among nearly 900 applicants from across the country hoping for their piece of $400 million in grants, which are part of the Department of Education's Race to the Top program.

The department will award grants to districts that propose innovative ways to teach students.

Among Minnesota's applicants is the Brainerd school district.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

Superintendent Steve Razidlo hopes to come away with $9 million to use on technology and training.

"We're hopeful but we're realistic," Razidlo said. "By the straight math, we think we maybe have a 4 to 5 percent chance."

Razidlo said he would like to train teachers to better use technology to improve student learning. He said the grant would "support some very intense staff training and development."

The Department of Education will pick 15 to 25 districts to receive the five-year grants.

• Follow Tim Post on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/timpostmpr