Here's another article about the DC deal:

The other major piece of the deal would allow officials more freedom in deciding whether to retain teachers who are "excessed" when schools are closed because of budget or enrollment issues. Under the proposal, teachers would be cut according to a formula that gives greatest weight to the previous year's evaluation. Seniority would receive least weight.

While District law already gives Rhee considerable latitude in such matters, the deal provides new options for teachers. Those unable to find new positions in the system could take a $25,000 buyout, or retire with full benefits if they have at least 20 years of service. They could also spend a year searching while still on the payroll, although they would be subject to dismissal after that.

Kudos to the foundations whose generosity made this deal possible. It would be hard to find a better example of the importance of new money, IF (and only if) it's spent to advance reform. More money poured into the existing broken system generally does little good – and can even do harm if it further empowers and entrenches the status quo (for example, look at NJ over the past 20 years).

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