School reform involves the public: its expectation of participation and its support for a reform agenda. In theory, the press influences both. To explore this link, we compare education coverage in four press outlets, two each in Chicago and Cleveland. Articles and editors are interrogated for (1) style of journalism and (2) assumptions about the public's role in school governance. Trustee journalism and public journalism predominate. A within-city comparison uncovers shifts in coverage before and after mayoral control. Cross-city variations hinge on differences in the civic engagement processes used to initiate and sustain reform. A framework for research is proposed.