This report presents the fifth in a series of polls that ask leaders in major U.S. urban public school systems about challenges they face and expectations for the future. The polls survey board members, superintendents, and other leadership staff. In January 2002, surveys were mailed to Great City School district leaders and senior staff and board members. The survey asked how respondents described their sense of optimism about the future of urban public schools, how much overall help the school system received from specified groups, the 10 most important needs in the urban school district, which measures the district had pursued in its general reform process, and the top three most effective educational reform strategies. Respondents were optimistic about the future of urban schools. Approximately half felt that foundations and business leaders were helping their schools. They listed religious organizations among the most helpful groups. The most critical issues they confronted were academic achievement, closing achievement gaps, and principal leadership. The most common reform efforts listed were professional development and efforts to boost student reading performance. (Contains 5 tables, 5 figures, and 5 references.)(SM)