“I would like to personally thank all those involved with the state’s Race to the Top application process, especially Dr. Paul Koehler from the WestEd Policy Center for his tremendous collaborative efforts and outreach.  I additionally want to thank the countless stakeholders around the state including the P-20 Council, educators, business leaders, philanthropic organizations, civic leaders, legislators and state policy leaders for their tremendous support.  This announcement comes on the heels of the passage of some of the most sweeping education reforms Arizona has ever seen.  The legislature approved and I signed the foundation for historic education reform, including but not limited to Senator Huppenthal’s SB 1040, Representative McComish’s HB 2298, and Representative Crandall’s HB 2733.  These bills provided for the adoption of new teacher and principal evaluations, alternative teacher and principal certification, as well as an assessment of and governance for our data system.  Our State also moved forward with the adoption of more rigorous college and career readiness standards.