On Monday, The Washington Examiner’s Rachel Baye reported that the D.C. Public School system is negotiating with the Washington Teachers’ Union to implement longer school days and a longer school year. WTU President Nathan Saunders expressed openness to the idea but said such a change will come at a price to the school system — higher pay for educators and more hours for “professional development.” Meanwhile, Baye noted, some D.C. public charter schools, which have greater flexibility and freedom from union interference, have already gone ahead with longer days and longer hours.

It is good to see DCPS try something new, and to innovate based on the proven success of charter schools such as those run by KIPP DC. Basic student proficiency within the DCPS system remains abysmal, and charters continue to outperform them despite being shortchanged on facilities funding.