A survey addressing the fairness of the Cincinnati (Ohio) Design for School Excellence (DSE) Merit Schools program was administered to school principals in March, 1986. The questionnaire was developed by a representative committee of elementary and secondary principals and central office personnel not directly involved in the original development of the DSE. The survey was reviewed, modified, and approved by the Cincinnati Association of Administrators and Supervisors (CAAS) Executive Committee. Forty-eight principals or 60% responded. Principals were asked to rank on a four point scale their perception of fairness of the 11 DSE indicators. Results showed a need for steps to be taken to adjust and clarify the program to increase its acceptance. Particular problems and concerns about the DSE were expressed in four major areas: (1) some schools have more advantages; (2) merit variables based on attitude surveys have limited validity; (3) attendance problems do not affect schools equally; and (4) student mobility and entry level aptitude affect schools unevenly. Since the DSE was strongly supported by the Board of Education and top central administrators, CAAS made 10 recommendations for improvement; their status is summarized. (Selected questionnaire responses are also appended.) (KSA)