IN BRIEF: Rockdale County Public Schools missed making the cut for a potential $30 million Race to the Top grant, officials announced. The US Department of Education announced the 16 winners on Tuesday, and RCPS was not on that list. Out of the 61 finalists nationwide, RCPS was ranked 34th. Three other Georgia district finalists were Haralson Cuopnty at 46th, Fulton County at 50th, and Morgan County at 56th. There were 372 initial applications in this latest round of competative Race to the Top federal funding, which the first round that was open directly to school districts.

"We are proud of the efforts of our staff and greatly appreciate the support of our teachers and community at large," said RCPS Superintendent Richard Autry. "Even though we did not receive the award, I believe the process yielded extremely positive effects for the district. Our vision for the future of RCPS was clarified and communicated to internal and external members of our school community... While this was a temporary disappointment, we will continue to press forward with our innovative initiatvies."