The district has been identified as a turnaround school district for the federal Race to the Top competitive grant. If awarded, the district will receive an additional $700–$900 per pupil as well as, millions of federal dollars that are targeted at reforms designed to result in improved student academic achievement. Participation required the administration, the school board and the local teachers' union to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate. Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.