THE MAYOR OF SYRACUSE, NEW YORK, STATES HIS REASONS FOR SUPPORTING THE PROPOSED CAMPUS SCHOOL PLAN FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS, A CAMPUS FACILITY OR EDUCATIONAL PARK TO REPLACE SEVERAL OUTDATED NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOLS. THE MAYOR SUPPORTS THE PLAN BECAUSE (1) RACIAL BALANCE WILL IMPROVE, (2) THE CITY'S TAX BASE WILL BE PROTECTED BEACUSE CITY-OWNED SITES ON THE PERIPHERY WILL BE SELECTED FOR THE CAMPUS, AND (3) "EXCELLENT" FACILITIES CAN BE PROVIDED WITHOUT UNNECESSARY DUPLICATION. HE ALSO ANTICIPATES THAT SUBURBANITES MIGHT RETURN TO THE CITY IF THERE ARE QUALITY SCHOOLS AND SERVICES, ESPECIALLY NOW WHEN SUBURBAN TAXES ARE RISING. HE EMPHASIZES THAT FEDERAL AID TO CITIES IS URGENTLY NEEDED FOR EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT AND THAT THE MOST EFFICIENT WAY TO USE SUCH MONIES IS BY CHANNELING IT INTO URBAN OPERATING BUDGETS RATHER THAN THROUGH THE MODEL CITIES APPROACH. THIS STATEMENT WAS MADE AT THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY IN AMERICA'S CITIES, SPONSORED BY THE U.S. COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS, WASHINGTON, D.C., NOVEMBER 16-18, 1967. (NH)