Three days before the deadline to get a city teacher evaluation system approved by the state, the teachers' union took to the streets to push for a deal.

Union members handed out fliers across the city Monday asking parents to send messages to the mayor calling for a fair deal to get done by January 17.

If an agreement cannot be reached by then, city schools could lose $250 million in state funds.

"Well it's important because teachers aren't against an evaluation system, they just want a fair evaluation system," said teacher Barry Greenberg.

The State Board of Regents says the city system is one of just four school districts that have not submitted a plan.

The commissioner of education says it normally takes weeks to approve a plan...but his staff is on standby for a fast-track-approval should a deal be reached.