The role of philanthropy in driving urban school reform efforts has gained much attention in recent years. In cities such as Chicago, San Diego, New York, and Philadelphia, private investment has been critical to launching and sustaining ambitious reforms. How can philanthropic dollars drive meaningful reform in large urban districts? How are these cities navigating the challenges of leveraging private funds? What are the best measures of success?

Please join AEI resident scholar and director of education policy studies Frederick M. Hess, along with panelists Libia Gil, former superintendent of Chula Vista Elementary school district; Janet M. Knupp, founding president of the Chicago Public Education Fund; Leslie Koch, chief executive officer of the Fund for Public Schools in New York City; and Janet Mountain, executive director of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, for a frank discussion of what it takes for philanthropy to make a difference in urban education.