When state says no, turn to Philadelphia School Partnership: The Great School Fund is seen by some as a solution to city's ailing school system.

"Some say money can’t solve Philadelphia schools’ problems. Don’t tell that to Jessica Pena, director of The Great School Fund. At a time when Harrisburg is tightening the belt around Philadelphia schools, The Great School Fund is breathing new life into high-performing schools and transforming failing schools. The organization has already invested $35 million in the city’s schools and is trying to raise $100 million more.... Pena said the fund is a project of the Philadelphia Schools Partnership, established by local philanthropists who 'weren’t seeing the kind of change they wanted.' The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, known for its commitment to education, is among PSP’s contributors." -- Stacia Friedman, thePAIndependent.com