3 Ohio proposals among finalists for school grants

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (AP) -- Three Ohio proposals are among 61 finalists in a federal competition that will provide millions of dollars in support for school districts.

The U.S. Department of Education is expected by year's end to announce 15 to 25 applications picked to share in nearly $400 million through the competition. It's part of the "Race to the Top" education initiative under President Barack Obama's administration.

More than 370 applications were submitted. The Ohio finalists came from Cleveland schools, the Reynoldsburg district in suburban Columbus and a network of 15 districts in rural southeast Ohio called the Ohio Appalachian Personalized Learning Network Collaborative.

The four-year awards will range from $5 million to $40 million. They're meant to support plans to personalize learning, close achievement gaps and prepare youngsters for college and career success.