Given the dysfunction and Albany and the short-sightedness and militancy of the NYC and NYS teacher unions, I'm not optimistic that NY will win round 2, so this would be a great next step for NYC if there's a round 3 (with a nice quote from Joe Williams):

New York City schools may have a better shot at grabbing millions of dollars in Race to the Top federal cash if they go it alone and abandon the rest of the state.

In a big embarrassment, the state came in 15th out of 16 Monday in an ultracompetitive battle for $700 million to turn its low-performing schools around.

State officials are trying to boost their chances for a second round in June - but the city already has its eye on submitting its own separate bid in a possible third round.

The third round - which still needs congressional approval - is worth $1.35 billion.

"If it means more money for our kids, we would apply," said Deputy Chancellor John White.

…New York lost almost half of those points because it does not have a state system to track student performance. But the city's system was called a "model" and "impressive" by federal reviewers.

The state also lost points for not being welcoming enough to charter schools, while the city has given charters space in public buildings and construction cash.

"This contest is almost tailor-made for Los Angeles and New York City to apply," said Joe Williams of Democrats for Education Reform.

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