Many school districts across Long Island say the cost of implementing the federal Race to the Top initiative outstrips its monetary awards.

Some are opting out, rejecting the funding to free themselves of the obligation.

State and federal officials have long touted the program, a hallmark of President Barack Obama's education policy aimed at boosting struggling schools and rewarding reform and innovation.

Did schools opting out of the Race to the Top funding make the right decision?

LI Works: All aglow at sign maker ... Sentencing expected in yacht club killing ... Look ahead at stormy forecast Credit: Newsday

Vaccine fraud crackdown nets 9 care providers ... LI colleges that are tops in nation ... Nassau jail oversight dormant ... LI Works: All aglow at sign maker

LI Works: All aglow at sign maker ... Sentencing expected in yacht club killing ... Look ahead at stormy forecast Credit: Newsday

Vaccine fraud crackdown nets 9 care providers ... LI colleges that are tops in nation ... Nassau jail oversight dormant ... LI Works: All aglow at sign maker

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