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With respect to Francol, there is virtually no relationship between spending on public schools and academic achievement when controlling for parental education level. Smart people tend to have smart children, and the opposite is also true. Ten years ago Lawrence, MA built the most expensive high school in the history of the state ($110M), largely with state funds. Subsequently, the school has been put in receivership under state control, the dropout rate remains at about 33%, and SAT scores remain deplorable, but facilities are pristine. Down the street at Central Catholic High School, 98% of graduates go on to college, dropout is unheard of, and state athletic championships are won, all with vastly inferior facilities and a per-pupil expenditure about 25% less than Lawrence High. The answer in Warwick is parental involvement and support, a school culture that demands and expects excellence, and a celebration of merit. The answer is not more money.