Ingham ISD added to “Project Reimagine” list

The Ingham Intermediate School District will have a shot at potential federal stimulus money to spur education changes after all.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan last week decided to include the Ingham Intermediate School District as one of 14 “Project ReImagine” districts that will help the state compete for $200 million to $400 million in stimulus dollars, said Martin Ackley, spokesman for the state Department of Education.

The district was not included in the list of 13 districts we reported in the November 13 issue of the MASA Leader. Seventy-one districts statewide submitted proposals on how to improve the delivery of education.

“Ingham’s ISD proposal was the most well crafted and the best among those not initially selected,” Ackley said. “State Superintendent Flanagan made the decision that it is worthy to be included in Project ReImagine and has added it to this bold initiative.”

Stanley Kogut, superintendent of the Ingham ISD, said he was glad to hear that Flanagan had changed his mind.

“It came a little bit late, but it feels pretty good to be invited to the party,” said Kogut, adding the potential funding could help transform education in Ingham County.

Flanagan’s decision means the district could be in line for millions of dollars if the state wins a chunk of $4 billion in education stimulus dollars that the Obama administration will divvy up.

The district also is in line to receive a share of a pot of money -- as much as $1 million -- that the state education department will divide among the 14 winners.

The ISD’s proposal was to enhance standards for prekindergarten education, connect parents more directly with children during critical learning stages and develop individual learning plans for students that would continue grade-to-grade.

In a news release highlighting key aspects of the plan, the state education department touted the ISD’s plan to offer college credit courses to high school students, potentially allowing them to earn an associate’s degree while in high school.

Source: Lansing State Journal, 11/14/2009