Good Question, and a Simple Solution:

"Why do I have to send my child to an enriched program to get a decent education in the city?"

NYC parents want to know. Joyce Purnick points out in the NY Times ($) that it's the only option as far as many of them are concerened.

The selective classes and schools are seen by some as sensible public policy aimed at retaining white middle-class families in the largely black and Hispanic school system.

But restrictions are getting tougher. Hey, I've got an idea--why don't we give a quality education, including good teachers and smaller classes to all kids in NYC, not matter what color their skin happens to be?

Wouldn't that solve the problem?