There will be a savings. Now that we're through one year (of restructuring) we understand there are strengths in our schools. (We will look for) where are the needs and target those areas.

You need to take a look at each program, and see what's special about it. I believe DARE is effective in creating positive relationships of students with police officers who they see as someone you can go to for help.

I've asked for an evaluation of all programs funded through the (federal Office of) Safe and Drug-Free Schools. I've also asked the staff to take a hard look at what are other options, especially those that have a strong scientific research base.

DARE tends not to be as effective for drug prevention. But it enables a child partnership with the police.

I don't want it to be an excuse, but if you look across the board in any educational arena, it will take at least three years before there are significant changes.

We're looking at a fundamental change in just about everything we do in schools, from curriculum, to how we teach and how we assess and how we grade.