Charter schools are the hottest story in education. Schools are serving over 105,000 students. In 1994, Philadelphia was one of the worst school districts in the United States. He wanted to trim the bureaucracy, add kindergarten, introduce technology, create a new testing system, and hold teachers accountable for student learning. David Hornbeck's honeymoon with the city turns sour as heavy opposition develops.
Politicians block crucial funding.
Simultaneously, his relationship with the teachers union deteriorates to the point where the union threatens to strike. In the end, a 4-year contract is signed and schools open on time with a sense of optimism. David Hornbeck's program attracts the support of IBM, which introduces a comprehensive technology program in three schools, including Clara Barton Elementary. But not all goes smoothly. He announces that the school's consistent failure justifies such radical action.