Willie believes that those who want Flynn to commit now to more funding should wait until the plan is implemented before pressing their case.

Schools which aren't chosen by parents under the new plan would emerge as prime targets for increased funding, Willie says. "One has to justify money and that's what this plan does... The issue of money should be driven by what is and what is not functioning effectively and the controlled choice plan provides a means for discovering what is functioning effectively and discovers where resources should be placed," he adds.

As yet, these answers have not been satisfactory to minority groups who see this as a key opportunity to press their demands for a better-funded educational system. McKinnis says the Committee "hasn't moved any further in stating that they do want to see the plan provide the educational enhancements."

And O'Bryant says, "The whole idea is a package... If the city comes through [with more money], I think we'll get it off the ground."

But as the debates continue, most observers agree that Willie's plan is not being judged on its own merits. Political reality may be different from education school theory, and local dynamics may preclude even a widely-liked plan from being passed.

And even if the plan does pass, it may do so at the expense of racial harmony. If controlled choice wins a majority vote of the School Committee over the objections of its four Black members, many say this would represent a major setback for a city trying to emerge from the shadow of racial politics.

Yet Willie remains optimistic. He says, "Each time it comes to a decision-making hurdle, the community has jumped over it...There are very positive signs in Boston that we are likely to get real reform and lasting reform."