Even though Regional Superintendent of Schools for Mercer, Warren and Henderson Counties Jody Scott has been quoted as saying that a bit of disappointment was felt when Illinois was rejected for the "race to the top" funds was true, state education officials say they felt rushed during their first try at secure 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 states vying for federal money to revamp their education systems.  Illinois is asking for about 400-million of the reported three-point-four-billion available. State officials will make their case for the money next months.  Winners will be announced in September.