Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, March 19, 1991 TAG: 9103190413
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
When the School Board discussed using magnet schools as a means to reduce racial isolation in our schools, he voted against the proposal. Recent news reports in your paper and surveys by Roanoke College indicate that racial isolation occurs socially, in the churches, and has accelerated in the past few years. Obviously, Don was wrong then, and he still does not have an understanding of the successful magnet programs.
If he had listened carefully then, he would know that the federal government pays for the advertising campaign, since it is a prerequisite for funding and requires prior approval by the federal government. In addition, through the generous support of the general managers at Channels 7 and 10, the television stations match almost dollar for dollar the federal funds, thus ensuring not only support from the media but also a very positive message about our schools to the public.
It is surprising that Don Bartol continues to foster negative attitudes about our schools and the many innovative programs that have been developed to reduce racial isolation and high dropout rates. Even this year, the old Northwest Elementary School, reopened as the Roanoke Academy of Mathematics and Science Magnet, reduced racial isolation at that school by almost 20 percent.
Since the Roanoke City School Division has received almost $8 million in competitive federal grants, and the television stations are matching federal dollars for advertising, and racial isolation is being significantly reduced, I consider the magnet schools to be not just cost-efficient but also educationally and socially effective. I hope that the School Board will continue to seek federal funds in support of new innovative programs. EDWIN R. FEINOUR ROANOKE
by CNB