Panel picks finalists for 24 grants

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

A state panel has picked more than 150 schools and educational entities in Ohio as finalists for grants from a new innovation fund established by Gov. John Kasich.

The Ohio Department of Education says 24 grants totaling nearly $89 million were recommended Friday by the Straight A Fund Governing Board. The board’s selections must be approved by the state Controlling Board, which meets Dec. 16.

About 420 organizations submitted 570 applications for the “Straight A Fund” grants. The winning ideas had to significantly boost student achievement, reduce spending or target an impressive share of resources into the classroom.

The $250 million fund was created in the state budget signed this summer. A new round of grant funding will be held next year.