Wisconsin could be eligible for up to $250 million in federal education funding under the $4.35 billion "Race to the Top" program, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan is kicking off the program today, and the department announced each state's potential intake of funding from the program. Wisconsin is listed as a Class 3 state, meaning it -- along with Virginia, Arizona, Indiana, Washington, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Missouri and Maryland -- could receive $150-$250 million under the program.

The Class 1 states -- California, Texas, New York, Florida -- could receive up to $700 million.

Gov. Doyle and state lawmakers have been working quickly to ensure the state's ability to acquire as much Race to the Top funding as possible, with the governor signing four education bills into law this week. Two more measures related to the program -- one to give the state superintendent greater authority over struggling districts, the other to place Milwaukee Public Schools under mayoral control -- are still being worked out in the Capitol.

-- By Andy Szal