This paper discusses how trends in school racial desegregation suggest a move back toward segregation. Courts are more willing now to attribute these patterns of racial segregation to demographic changes in residential housing markets rather than to past vestiges of the segregated system as they had done in the past. School officials and community leaders still must grapple with increasing patterns of racial segregation in schools and gross disparities in both educational experience and outcomes. After giving historical background on court decisions, desegregation, and school choice, the paper focuses briefly on a Massachusetts controversy on race choice in schools, and issues involving vouchers and school choice. The future of unitary status of schools is then considered. School districts in Little Rock, Arkansas, are used as an example in which statistics are continually gathered to monitor compliance with desegregation orders. As desegregation is achieved across the nation, funds can be utilized to increase equity and access across all population groups. However, school districts will have to confront social, economic, and racial segregation in schools as a barrier to equity and excellence. Funding problems in a cyclical economy will also present challenges to districts, requiring federal intervention. (Contains 36 references.) (RT)