Illinois school districts and local unions refuse to run the Race.

In spite of the constant pressure on Illinois school districts and union locals, things are not going well for Illinois’ second round Race to the Top application.

In an editorial today the Chicago Tribune berates both local districts and local unions for failing to step up. But we’re no fools.

According to the Trib’s own numbers, only 42% of local school districts have signed on to the state’s R2T application.

In order to improve Illinois’ standing, here is what the Trib wants us to do:

• Sign the Memorandum of Understanding.
• Make it harder for teachers to get tenure (it already requires four uninterrupted years of full time employment in Illinois).
• Raise the charter cap (we already did that).
• End local bargaining rights that protect seniority.
• Create pay for performance schemes.

Well, sorry Colonel. It’s not going to happen.