MoCo awaits word on schools prize

On Tuesday, the Montgomery County school system will learn whether it has captured one of the most prestigious education prizes in the country.

In April, the 144,000-student system was named one of five finalists for the 2010 Broad Prize for Urban Education. The annual prize, funded by a Los Angeles philanthropist, recognizes urban schools that have made progress in improving student achievement and closing the persistent achievement gaps that separate racial and socioeconomic groups. The winner receives $1 million for college scholarships.

The announcement will be at 11:30 a.m. in New York, and the school system is having a party in Rockville to watch it live on television. Follow PostNow on Tuesday, and Post reporter Michael Birnbaum on Twitter to find out the results.

The other finalists are Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (N.C.), Gwinnett County Public Schools (outside Atlanta), Socorro Independent School District (El Paso) and Ysleta Independent School District (El Paso).

-- Michael Birnbaum