Why fight school innovation in New York State?

Of the more than $20 billion in state money expected to be spent on K-12 public education next year, $250 million, or just over 1 percent, has been earmarked for competitive grants to districts pioneering innovative programs. Leaders at the state's largest teachers union are enraged. They're also tone deaf, and in this instance, wrong. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo promised an overall 4 percent increase in state aid to schools this year. Now the New York State United Teachers union is claiming not a penny of that money should be awarded based on creativity, initiative or success via competitive grants, because it would be better used on core programs for all students. Identifying and supporting great programs could create best practices all schools can follow, and $250 million is seed money well spent.