The loss of a $13.2 million grant intended to bolster math and science education in Washington has us concerned, especially since it appears that the state's rigid collective bargaining laws are to blame.

We often check with folks with whom we disagree in case there is information we haven't considered. Today I e-mailed Rich Wood, spokesman for the state teachers union, who is in Spokane at the annual convention where members are gearing up for a no-confidence vote in state schools chief Terry Bergeson.

Here was his response:

I think the criticism is misguided and inaccurate. NMSI was unwilling to compromise on the teacher pay issue and pulled the money. It wasn't that our locals "rejected" the grant program. Our teachers in Seattle, Spokane and elsewhere worked hard to make it work. They spent a lot of time and effort. It's inaccurate when people suggest otherwise. They really tried to collaborate, despite the way it's being portrayed. Everyone needs to work together to improve student achievement. But flexibility is needed.

[More:]

I don't know any other profession or industry where an outside, private group is allowed to pay another employer's employees based on their behavior. ... Whether or not tying teacher compensation directly to student test scores is a good idea, the underlying issue is local decision-making. Talk to the districts...it wasn't just the association that had issues with the conditions of the grant money.

The teachers are the ones in the classroom working with kids. They should have an appropriate role in determining what works and what is appropriate. Why does Exxon know better than the teachers in the classroom? We trust them to teach our kids, but not to be involved in these decisions? Our members at several schools wanted to direct the bonus money to professional development, but NMSI wouldn't allow it. I haven't heard anyone involved directly blame collective bargaining.