EDITORIAL: Schools plan is good way to go

The University's collaboration with the city on public education is a great step forward. This initiative -- which will result in Penn helping to open a primary school at 42nd and Spruce streets and bring an existing high school to the area just north of campus, in addition to engaging Penn's intellectual resources -- will have a positive lasting impact on the community that the University is a part of. One of the great things about Penn's plans is that they are part of a greater commitment to revitalizing West Philadelphia. Put in the context of recently-announced housing initiatives and other measures to increase safety and make the area a more attractive place for people to spend their leisure time, this plan makes a great deal of sense. For years, graduate students, professors and citizens not affiliated with the University have shied away from living in West Philadelphia because of the school system. Now, with Penn's financial and academic resources and applied expertise and the cooperation of the School District and Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, the situation may change. Perhaps more importantly, West Philadelphia residents will benefit greatly by being able to attend schools with exciting new programs. It is important that this plan not be viewed as charity. Instead, it seems the University has realized that its fate is tied to that of the community. This initiative is therefore an investment in Penn's future. This plan has incredible potential, but it also has pitfalls. As the University moves forward, it must collaborate with community leaders on the schools' designs and programs. Penn must not waste this opportunity to change its image as an ogre that unilaterally decides the future of the community.