Hills. schools considered for Gates grant

TAMPA - The Hillsborough County School district is one of four schools systems being considered for a $100 million education grant.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, started by Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his wife, will announced the award recipients Thursday.

"It gave us the chance to dream bigger than we've been able to dream before," said Teachers Union President Jean Clements.

Tuesday, school board members unanimously approved moving forward with the bid. A representative from the foundation based in Seattle attended the board meeting.

"We're here because of an elaborate proposal," said Don Shelby. "It is something we are so proud to potentially be a part of."

District staff worked on the grant proposal for seven months and came up with a plan focused on teachers.

"The whole purpose of this grant is to work to establish the most effective teacher in every classroom in every school," said Superintendent MaryEllen Elia.

The partnership between Hillsborough Schools and the Gates Foundation would last seven years. The district wants to overhaul teacher selection and evaluation and pull some teachers from the classroom to mentor other teachers full time.

"The more education you can get to the educators, the better it's going to be, so I think it's fantastic," said Jim Sheppard, whose daughter is in 5th grade.

The plan is to increase some teacher salaries, as a way to attract and maintain educators.

"There is no reason why it should take 27 years before a teacher can hit the top of their maximum earning potential," Clements said.

"I think it's about time," said Heather Weil, whose two children are students in the district. "I know it's been a long time since there's been any increases for teachers."

If Hillsborough wins the grant, they have to match the funds. Elia says the district will shift some of its finances and apply for more grants.

The idea of matching the funds is still daunting for some parents.

"They'd probably have a hard time coming up with it. Let's face it. With everything the way it is. But if there's any way they'd be able to, imagine the outcome," Sheppard said.

Schools districts in Pittsburgh and Memphis, as well as a small group of charter schools in Los Angeles are among the finalists. All four systems could win grants.