Thursday, November 1, 2012

L.A. Unified applies for grant without teachers union - latimes.com

L.A. Unified applies for grant without teachers union - latimes.com:


L.A. Unified applies for grant without teachers union

LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy during a meeting of the Los Angeles School Board in February. Credit: Al Seib / Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Unified School District has decided to submit an application for a high-profile federal grant without the participation of the teachers union.
Current federal rules for “Race to the Top” grants require a written commitment to the terms by the local teachers union. But United Teachers Los Angeles officials have steadfastly objected to the district's application, mostly because of the cost involved, they said.
L.A. Unified could qualify for up to $40 million. The funds are modest compared to the school system's multibillion-dollar annual budget, but officials said they could provide crucial services to students as well as additional jobs.
“I have instructed staff to submit an application with all required signatures except that of the teachers union,” said L.A. schools Supt. John Deasy in a statement Thursday. “I want to make the case that here in Los