This report presents the fourth in a series of polls that survey the leadership of U.S. major public school systems about the challenges they face and their expectations for the future. The poll surveys school board members, superintendents, and other leadership staff, as well as representatives of colleges and universities who work with the staff and students of the Great City Schools. The survey, administered in October 1999, was completed by approximately 225 people. Urban school leaders and members of colleges and universities who work with the Great City Schools continue to feel strongly optimistic about the future of urban schools. School leaders continue to view business leaders, foundations, and local public officials as the most helpful groups to the urban public school. These leaders' perceptions of both print and electronic media demonstrate the powerful, and often negative, impact these media have on U.S. schools. Improving academic achievement was cited as the number one need of urban schools, with professional development and public confidence remaining among the top most pressing needs. Among the many reform efforts of urban schools, professional development, decentralized decision-making, and class size reduction have been high priorities. In spite of the obstacles they face, urban school leaders remain optimistic about the future of their schools. (SLD)