Hawaii was among the 35 states and the District of Columbia submitting applications for the second round of the Obama administration's Race to the Top competition to win a portion of $3.4 billion to drive education reform.

The deadline was yesterday.

Acting Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said the state is seeking $75 million and the application is stronger than it was in the first round earlier this year.

“;Over the past six months, the department has made tremendous strides in strengthening its application to achieve comprehensive education reform,”; she said.

Hawaii did not receive any money in the first round announced in March, with its worst scores in the category of “;ensuring equitable distribution of effective teachers,”; receiving no points out of 25.

The state received 19 out of a possible 40 points for “;ensuring successful conditions for charter schools.”;

Matayoshi said new legislation has removed barriers to the creation of new charter schools in Hawaii and the department has developed a plan to attract and retain high-quality teachers in struggling schools.

Finalists will be selected over the summer. The winners will be announced in September.