Dive Brief:

• A new Pew Charitable Trusts study found that education ranked as the No. 1 issue for Philadelphia residents, with 32% of respondents saying education is more important than crime, jobs, and the economy right now.
• The 1,603 polled also had opinions on the city's current education policies and the need for democratic accountability. For example, 67% wanted to see the state-appointed School Reform Commission disbanded and an elected school board in charge.
• The polled residents also indicated that the city's schools are going downhill, with 63% labeled as "fair or poor" in 2009 — a number that has since risen to 77%. 

Dive Insight:

While the poll is generally disheartening (over 75% of respondents view the district in a poor light), the bigger takeaway is actually quite positive: People are very much invested in education and what happens to schools. Parents and the community are paying attention and they want a voice (through elected board members) in what happens.

This same mentality is highlighted in the Chicago mayoral elections, where education also ranked as one of the top issues. At the time The New York Times reported that Rahm Emanuel has viewed school closures as a move toward a better future, however, families around those neighborhood schools see the decision as a major disservice to the community. This disconnect on what is best for the city, schools, and children seems to be playing out nationally.