Will Orange bend to the pressure from the Tallahassee big guns?

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Tallahassee’s big guns will turn out for Race to the Top meeting in Orange

Florida’s Public Schools Chancellor Frances Haithcock will attend the workshop Thursday at OCPS to discuss what participation in the Race to the Top competition could mean for education systems in the county and the state. Haithcock will be on hand to answer any questions the school board may have.

Chairwoman Joie Cadle announced at tonight’s curriculum workshop that Florida’s Commissioner of Education, Eric Smith, may attend the meeting, as well.

The Sunshine State stands to snag $700 million in the new federal competition that aims to reward innovation in education — Orange alone could draw about $22 million.

As colleague Leslie Postal reports, 63 of 67 district indicate they’ll apply for the grants. However, many are struggling to gather the three ideal signatures — the superintendent, board and union — that would strengthen Florida’s application. Unions statewide oppose the measure, balking largely at changing teacher evaluations and teacher pay.

The state could use a little help, and the weight of large, urban districts — such as Orange — could hold some sway among peer leaders. So top officials are making their way to Orange in hopes that at least some questions can be put to rest.

Orange’s school board will decide Thursday whether to pursue the money. Union president Mike Cahill has said he won’t sign off on the measure, but his position recently hasn’t been clear.

Tonight’s curriculum workshop was informational only; no changes are planned. Board members indicated that they wanted to prepare for upcoming meaty discussions regarding Race to the Top, as well as state standards changes. They also wanted to be armed with good information as they look toward hiring a new superintendent to replace Ronald Blocker, who is retiring in 2012.

Board member Kat Gordon expressed concern tonight that access to technology, Internet access and textbooks was not equitable in the district (she was assured they were). And Vicky Bell, concerned about instructional-material quality, asked to review key textbooks in the district.