Torn Loyalties

doi:10.1126/science.293.5527.27b

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ScienceScope

A nasty fight is brewing between the Bush Administration and Congress over who should administer proposed math and science education partnerships involving universities, schools, and industry (Science, 25 May, p. 1463). Hundreds of millions of dollars are at stake, and the National Science Foundation (NSF) is caught in the crossfire.

The House Science Committee last month passed a bill that would put universities in the driver's seat by funneling federal funds to academics and nonprofits working with the schools. That time-tested approach is fine with NSF officials, sources say. But some Administration officials object, and in a 19 June letter to congressional leaders, NSF director Rita Colwell followed her bosses' wishes and argued that the program should give awards directly to state and local school districts. They are "closer to the needs of students" and more accountable for their performance, Colwell wrote. She also complained that a larger education reform bill moving through Congress goes against the Administration's plans by putting the Department of Education--and not NSF--in charge of the partnerships.

The disagreement won't be resolved until Congress finishes the education package later this year.