Almost 800 education agencies in California, 15 in San Mateo County, have indicated an intent to participate in a the federal Race to the Top reforms as part of the larger state application, the Department of Education announced yesterday.

Under the Obama administration’s guidelines, in addition to prompting legislative education reforms required for states to compete, Race to the Top calls on local districts to voluntarily partner with the state to implement reforms that improve student outcomes. Local districts wishing to participate were asked to submit such letters by Dec. 31, prior to the Jan. 8 deadline for submitting an actual agreement. Yesterday, the California Department of Education released a list of nearly 800 districts state wide, including 15 in San Mateo County, intending to participate.

“The federal Race to the Top competition has spurred tremendous interest among an amazing array of talented educators in California,” State Superintendent Jack O’Connell said in a press release. “I’m delighted that almost half of our local educational agencies already have stepped up to the challenge and agreed to partner with the state in making the fundamental education reforms called for in the Race to the Top competition. By investing in state and local systems that will accelerate and drive growth in student achievement, the Race to the Top will help California develop a highly skilled workforce, fuel future innovations and maintain California’s standing as a leading world economy.”

Districts from San Mateo County include: Burlingame Elementary, Cabrillo Unified, Jefferson Elementary, Jefferson Union, La Honda-Pescadero Unified, Menlo Park City, Millbrae Elementary, Pacifica, Portola Valley Elementary, Ravenswood City Elementary, Redwood City Elementary, San Carlos Elementary, San Mateo County Office of Education, Sequoia Union and South San Francisco Unified.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides $4.35 billion nationally for Race to the Top. California may be eligible for up to $700 million.

Applications are due to the U.S. Department of Education by Jan. 19.