So it’s finally here, or almost here ... The U.S. Department of Education says it will announce the lucky winners in the first round of the $4 billion Race to the Top competition on Monday.

There were 16 finalists this time around, but the department hasn’t yet said how many winners to expect.

But it seems likely the number will be on the small side. Joanne Weiss, the department’s Race to the Top guru, told state officials there would be plenty of money left in Round 2.

Those that don’t make the cut will get feedback from the peer reviewers and are eligible to apply for the second round of grants.