Recent tension between District 205 leaders and the teachers union could play a role in Rockford schools ability to get federal money through a grant called 'Race To The Top.'

Right now, they're working on that relationship to get it.

"We're hopeful. We're doing what we need to do to have everything in place to be successful," Superintendent Dr. LaVonne Sheffield said.

Dr. Sheffield said their application looks strong. The union president said one of the four assurances both must agree on to get the grant are teacher evaluations. Dr. Sheffield said that has an impact on bargaining.

Negotiations became the subject of tension a few days ago when the union saw a letter written by Dr. Sheffield to principles stating the union was posturing for negotiations.

Dr. Sheffield said negotiations don't start until April, so they're trying to work around that topic.

"We're working hard to keep that out of discussions as we move to receive 'Race for the Top' dollars," Dr. Sheffield said.

The union president said the other three assurances are based upon enriching student performance and growth. The money could help pay for technology upgrades in high schools. Meetings are set up for discussion, but she adds agreeing on all differences could be a challenge.

"We're gonna have to work at it. We're gonna have to see. I don't know. It's not gonna be easy. It's gonna be hard," REA President Molly Phalen said.

Parents said they want results and positive changes for Rockford schools, especially when it comes to violence.

"People are starting to say if my kid is scared, I'm not sending them to school. And they do that, the school's not going to be getting their grants because they're not going to have the amount of students in a classroom they need," District 205 parent, Renee Russell said.

Dr. Sheffield said a panel is reviewing the applications behind closed doors. She also said Rockford has a better chance at getting some of the money because some Chicago schools didn't apply.

The federal government is offering $4.3 billion in funding for the grant. The state is applying for $500 million. No word on how much Rockford could receive.