State education officials say they felt rushed during their first try at securing federal money for schools through the competitive Race To The Top grant program.  But now, state board of education spokesperson Mary Fergus says Illinois has revamped its application, and secured the endorsements of more than 60-percent of school districts throughout the state.  Illinois is one of 19 finalists vying for federal money to revamp their education systems.  Illinois is asking for about 400-million of the reported three-point-four-billion dollars available.  Only Tennessee and Delaware won money during the first round, but upward of 15 finalists are expected to be awarded funds this time.  Fergus says the state's latest application includes a bevy of initiatives including computer technology upgrades and a student growth tracking system.  State officials will make their case for the money next month.  Winners will be announced in September.

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