In 1968, a determination that de facto segregation was present in the Erie, Pennsylvania School System was made. This was made on the basis that there were six schools having an 80% or more black student population. These schools were located in black areas. There were also 16 schools with an 80% or more white student population located in white areas. The school district was required to develop a plan to effect a racial balance. It took 6 years for the school district to develop a satisfactory plan. The plan included school pairings, the closing of two schools, the development of supportive programs, and limited busing. Erie's desegregation plan went into effect in September of 1975. Because the plan had only been operating for 7 months at the time the interviews were held for this report, the impact of the plan could not be assessed. Generally the absence of strong positive leadership contributed to the tense atmosphere that preceded desegregation. Minority and white parents, however, were surprised and gratified that desegregation occurred as smoothly as it did in light of their fears and apprehensions prior to implementation. Contributing to the smooth implementation of the plan were two factors: (1) the desegregation plan called for a small increase in busing, and (2) busing when needed, is currently handled by the public transportation system and subsidized by the school district. (Author/AM)