On Thursday, April 30, 2009, superintendents and school board presidents received a memo from State Superintendent for Instruction Mike Flanagan outlining criteria for applicants to become one of the 20 demonstration districts slated for additional funding.

Project Reimagine Proposal Guidelines are targeted to any school district/organization that is ready to accept the challenge to significantly transform teaching and learning. The MDE is seeking up to 20 demonstration districts to “reimagine” education, and MDE is securing $1 million that will be available to support those efforts.

In addition, those districts selected will be included in MDE’s application for additional federal ARRA funds.

Proposals must be sent to the Michigan Department of Education by close of business on Friday, August 14, 2009. Questions can be directed to Tom White at tomwhite2251@gmail.com or Jean Shane at shanej@michigan.gov.

“Be bold,” Flanagan wrote in closing. “Tinkering won’t do.”