EDITORIAL: Home programs to boost W. Phila.

Now the University must focus its efforts toward improving local schooling options. The Home Ownership Incentive Program, released Monday, will offer $3,000 for seven years or $15,000 up front to faculty members and staff who buy homes in University City. And the Home Improvement Loan Program will give University faculty and staff who already live in the area $7,500 to be used toward exterior home improvements. These are just the latest additions to the University's growing artillery of initiatives aimed to draw faculty and staff to the area. Officials hope that an increase in the number of Penn affiliates living in West Philadelphia will help improve the neighborhood's image and create a sense of community. Also part of this plan are the UC Brite program to light neighborhood streets and the University City District initiative, both of which are going strong. Additionally, the University recently revised its mortgage program to offer "120 percent loans" to Penn faculty members and staff who buy homes in University City. These loans provide 100 percent of the purchase price, 15 percent of the total for housing rehabilitation and 5 percent for closing costs. And in February, the University announced a project to purchase run-down, abandoned properties and renovate them into single family homes to be sold largely to Penn affiliates. Now, the one piece missing is quality school options for faculty and staff parents. Faculty members frequently cite inadequate schools as the main factor keeping them from moving to West Philadelphia. The area's public schools have a poor reputation and many have ranked toward the lowest in the city in standardized testing. Additionally, the University City New School is the only private school in the neighborhood, and its high costs rule it out for many faculty parents. The University must now focus on establishing or improving schools in the area. Options to explore include a Penn-sponsored magnet program and an adopt-a-school arrangement where the University could offer guidance. A really good school, in combination with the home buying incentives, could move the University closer towards its goal of a West Philadelphia-based community.