Progress in teacher-evaluation talks

State and union negotiators reported "significant progress" late Friday in efforts to break a deadlock over a statewide teacher-evaluation system.

In twin statements, John B. King Jr., the state education commissioner, and Richard C. Iannuzzi, president of the state's teacher union, said they were negotiating "in earnest" toward settling a lawsuit that had threatened to block new job ratings for thousands of teachers, which are due for June release. The statements provided no other details.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo declared Tuesday that he would propose his own evaluation system, along with financial penalties for school districts that didn't comply, unless the two sides settled within 30 days. At the time, Iannuzzi responded that agreement was already near, while King said differences remained.