HOW MUCH SCHOOL CHOICE IS ENOUGH?

AS SCHOOL REFORM Commission members prepare to vote Wednesday on the fate of its six Education Management Organizations (EMOs) that run 42 schools, we hope they show more discipline in their decision-making than they have exhibited in overseeing the school district budget.

Members of the SRC have gone on the record with their strong support of the EMO concept; so has state Rep. Dwight Evans, who plays a key role in the state funding decisions.

The concept is appealing: outside managers would be better positioned - and better resourced - to improve student achievement at the districts' poorest-performing schools.

But five years and $100 million later, EMOs have clearly shown they are no magic bullet, but only part of the answer. At least four reports suggest that the extra $500 to $750 per student EMOs are paid could be put to better use by the district, such as in restructured schools.

This is no time for sacred cows; the SRC should focus on accountability and clarity in deciding which EMOs to keep and which to let go. Some schools once under private management should be returned to district supervision.

One of two scenarios suggested by Gregory Thornton, the district's chief academic officer, would keep the status quo. Thirty-eight schools would continue to be managed by EMOs, though at a flat rate of $500 extra per pupil. Another option would be to have 29 schools under EMOs.

But the smartest template for change comes from Commissioner Sandra Dungee-Glenn. She proposes that 21 schools that have made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) or are demonstrating progress be retained by EMOs. The others should be returned to the district, under its restructuring program, where district schools would get extra money.

And it's worth reminding the SRC that adequate yearly progress is a reasonable and responsible benchmark for measuring the success of a school. Still, as Dungee-Glenn reasons, some schools may not have made significant academic achievement, but have shown a change in environment. In her scenario, a few of these would stay under EMO control. That would kick about a dozen or so schools back to the district. We support this option.

During this contract-renewal process, commissioners should also require that EMOs address the needs of students with English as a second language and those with disabilities, and require the EMOs to account for how their money is spent.

The importance of Wednesday's SRC vote shouldn't be underestimated: It has the potential to further define the landscape of education, and come closer to creating a picture that works. *