This background describes three priority concerns for New York City public schools in the 1998-1999 school year.  These concerns include: 1) Crowding - too many students in schools that lack adequate space for them; 2) Crumbling - too many buildings that are not adequately maintained and require major renovations; and 3) Computers - too many students lacking sufficient access to computer technology that is essential for learning skills required in the modern economy.