Public education (I suppose all education really) can only ever be as good as a home environment for all but the most exceptional kids. You can throw all the money you want at an education but, ultimately, if that kid goes home to significant struggles with nourishment, housing, parent availability, parent interest, etc. it's going to be extremely difficult for them to succeed. I'd like to see more investment in the home and let it propagate through the rest of life. Access to good housing, healthcare, food and the like would go a huge way in stabilizing the home and providing a better foundation for parents to fill the gaps in public education.