EDITORIAL: A worthwhile commitment

Penn is right to aid the institutions its public school will displace in finding new homes nearby. While Penn President Judith Rodin's chief of staff noted that, "I would certainly expect there will be costs involved that we can help with," the University needs to go one step further and give a clear commitment that it will provide financial support for the moves. Not only is Penn being a good neighbor by helping the University-owned Penn Children's Center and non-profit University City New School and Parent Infant Center relocate, but the popularity of the three demonstrates their importance to the area. It's clear that both residents and University affiliates value the child-care and education services these institutions provide. Furthermore, because the location crisis is a direct result of Penn's decision to build a new school, it's entirely appropriate for the University to help find a solution. The University should be able to find adequate, nearby space for the institutions -- and invest enough money in the relocations so they are not faced with financial hardship. Unfortunately, Penn is probably damned no matter what it does. As was the case with the relocation of the Free Library into a temporary, Penn-owned home, certain community members will likely find fault with whatever location Penn finds for the three institutions. It's unlikely that any available space will live up to the current location at 42nd and Spruce streets, but all parties need to keep an open mind in finding a replacement. Finding new homes for the three institutions is so important because each serves a vital purpose. We therefore hope that the University City New School rejects Penn's offer to merge with the University-sponsored public school, at least for the time being. If the Penn-affiliated public school indeed lives up to expectations, the New School will be forced to compete and prove its value to the community. Competing for some of the same students and for the same high performance levels should improve both schools. And if the University succeeds in its school, residents may no longer find the need to continue paying money to send their children to the New School. Penn officials have repeatedly stressed their commitment to the community in recent years. Now, as they put together their new school and find homes for the displaced institutions, they'll have the opportunity to turn those words into realities.