That's a nice vision. I think that if Somerville parents got as involved as you outline, actually grappling with the issues of where to direct funding and what kinds of programs to have/not have, we'd have one kickass system. I'm not sure the school board is ready for that, but am *really wishing* for *that* problem, you know? :)

I guess what I'm saying is, wouldn't it be cool if this charter school proposal touched off a massive restructuring of the decision-making process? *dreams*