The State Department of Education updated its list of districts participating in the state’s Race to the Top application on Monday. And it turns out, the response was much greater than officials had reported two days before.

A total of 745 school districts, county offices of education and charter schools — more than 90 percent of the 798 districts and schools that had said they’d participate — did follow through. And at least 115 union leaders ignored the advice of the leadership of the California Teachers Association and signed on with their superintendents and school board presidents. That’s impressive, considering the CTA’s opposition.

The 745 districts comprise 3.5 million students – 56 percent of the state total. They include 1.9 million low-income students – 59 percent of the state’s total.

Led by LA Unified, eight of the 10 largest districts sent in an MOU. Only San Diego and Corono-Norco unified districts didn’t. San Franciso and San Jose unifieds, which I reported as not participating, were included in the state’s update.

School board presidents signed only 552 of the MOUs, which could indicate their superintendents went ahead and signed, with the expectation that school trustees would soon follow with a formal vote.

All told, the response may have surprised – and must have pleased – state officials.