Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Editor

The U.S. Department of Education has placed Hawaii on ‘high-risk’ status, which puts the state’s $75 million Race to the Top grant in jeopardy.

In a letter to Gov. Neil Abercrombie, DOE Policy and Program Implementation Director Ann Whalen said Hawaii’s performance during the first 14 months of the grant has been ‘unsatisfactory.’

“The state has not demonstrated adequate progress implementing its approved plans,” Whalen wrote. “The department is concerned about the state’s ability to fulfill its commitments within the grant period.”

Hawaii is one of 10 states in contention for millions of education dollars, but must step up its new policy plans if it wants to keep the money. The letter cited slow progress and missed milestones as reasons for the high-risk designation.

The state now must provide monthly updates and will need approval for spending and submit receipts for expenses.

The letter also said the department will provide assistance as Hawaii works to meet the commitments in the Race to the Top grant.

U.S. Department of Education representatives will do an onsite inspection next month and will be looking for clear and compelling evidence the state has made substantial progress.

To read the letter from the U.S. Department of Education, click the PDF button: