STAFF EDITORIAL: Decide school issues, now

The Board of Education has to stop dragging its feet on the issue of who can attend a new Penn-aided public school. And that would be a tragedy. The University had planned to break ground on the school site at 42nd and Spruce streets one month ago. But neighborhood squabbling and school board foot-dragging over the catchment area has led Penn to postpone construction for the time being. Of course, there is a lot at stake with the catchment area debate. Only 700 students from among hopeful thousands will be able to attend the demonstration school, which promises to be one of the best in Philadelphia. Supporters of underfunded schools in the area are demanding millions in additional funding. Homeowners' property values are on the line, and as with everything else in this city, many frame the issue in terms of race. But nothing above presents a valid excuse to deprive 700 children of a better education. Penn is waiting to break ground on the project because of the unsettled catchment area issue, which may ultimately stymie the entire project. Only a small window remains, though, through which Penn can begin construction on the school for a September 2001 opening. It is imperative then that members of the Board of Education bring the catchment area discussion to a conclusion. They've heard the concerns of community members, and can do no more. Whatever decision is reached -- our preferred catchment area, a lottery system, scrapping the plan and spreading the proposed funding among several schools -- many will be content and many will be upset. Nothing constructive comes from stalling. The community has been heard, Penn is ready to begin construction and 700 students' educations hang in the balance.