Teachers union won't sign federal funds application
by Marsha McKenna
Senior Editor
The Stow-Munroe Falls School District is trying to enter the "Race to the Top," even though not all the parties required to sign off on the application did so.
The $4.35 billion program created by President Obama's administration is meant to encourage innovative programs to boost student achievement by awarding grants to states through a competitive application process.
The deadline for districts to submit a memorandum of understanding, which is a commitment from the superintendent, School Board president, and union president to participate in the education reforms, was May 14.
According to Superintendent Dr. Russ Jones, the district submitted its MOU by the deadline but it only contained the signatures of the Board president and himself; the Stow Teachers Association president declined to sign.
Deb Pauley, president of the Stow Teachers Association, did not return a phone call by press time.
"We wanted to let them know we were very interested," Jones said. "I have heard other districts have submitted without all three signatures."