These and other difficulties would plague an interdistrict scheme. Moreover, among those parents who would take advantage of the interdistrict option, the majority would probably be motivated by nonacademic considerations. In much of the state, then, interdistrict choice would not threaten existing schools. Certainly it would not force schools to offer better math or history courses in an effort to keep their clientele. Nonetheless, interdistrict choice should be allowed.
Some children belong in schools outside their home districts.
Interdistrict choice should be initiated only after an inquiry into the experience of Metco students. The program has been in place almost twenty-five years and has never been properly evaluated. Before more students are put on more buses, the Metco record needs to be examined. In addition, interdistrict choice may have to await a change in school funding. When students move across district lines, heavy reliance on local property taxes results in equity problems that are difficult to resolve.