The Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education voted unanimously to sign on to the federal “Race to the Top” program that could funnel $200 million to $400 million to the state of Georgia and participating school systems.

Griffin-Spalding County School System Superintendent Curtis Jones said the deadline to send the memorandum of understanding to Gov. Sonny Perdue’s office is Jan. 8, 2010. He described “Race to the Top” as a competitive grant process that is part of the federal stimulus package. The first round of decisions will be made on Jan. 19; the second on June 1. The decision on whether Georgia will be included will be made by April 20.

At the board’s request, Jones read some selections from a PowerPoint presentation on the program made on Dec. 14.

After a brief discussion with board member James Westbury about how dropout statistics are computed, Jones said the program included establishing a universal definition. Jones then said that 10 to 15 states are in the running to participate and the available monies — $200 million to $400 million — will be split 50-50 between the state and participating local systems.

There are four models to turn around low-performing schools. National standards will be adopted.

The program will also establish a fully integrated data system within three to four years. Georgia has spent two years developing a system of its own — the program means more money to help. Teachers and administrators statewide will be judged according to their effectiveness and there will be merit and performance pay for teachers. The new pay system will be opt-in for existing teachers.

Jones said Bibb County has already submitted its memorandum of understanding to the state; Muscogee County and Gwinnett County are likely to do so as well.

The board ultimately voted 3-0 to sign on. Board member James Graham said he does not want the school system to be a tag-along, while Westbury said he trusted Jones’ recommendation. Board Chairwoman Fannie Delaney was absent due to a death in her family.