Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, July 23, 1994                   TAG: 9407250042
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

WHY DO ROANOKE COUNTY SCHOOLS NEED SO MUCH MONEY?

So why does the county need to spend about $50 million on school buildings and equipment in the next 10 years?

The cost could be even more. School officials have compiled an additional list of $38 million for new buildings and facilities. The two lists total $88 million. There is some overlap, but Superintendent Deanna Gordon said they provide an overview of the schools' needs.

So why so much?

Gordon said some schools are overcrowded because of the growing use of educational technology, computers, laboratories, smaller classes for advanced-placement courses, special education needs and other reasons.

With smaller classes, more rooms are needed.

Schools that were adequate when they were built may not serve the same number of students today, she said.

Even though the overall enrollment will remain about the same, Gordon said, there will be growth in some areas, such as Cotton Hill and other Southwest Roanoke County sections.

Items in the capital improvements plan and the reasons given for them include:

New technology, $12.5 million. The county needs more computers, videos and other instructional technology to keep pace with changes in education.

New construction, $19 million. This will help relieve overcrowding at many schools, both at the elementary and secondary levels.

Building renovations, $4.6 million. The funds would help repair and upgrade older schools in several parts of the county. Many of the county's buildings are approaching an age at which maintenance on roofs, parking lots, carpets, restrooms and ceiling tiles is becoming necessary.

Vocational and adult education, $3 million. More computer laboratories and other equipment are needed.

Gymnasium and stadium renovations, $2.1 million. The facilities have become outdated and need repairs. The North Roanoke County area does not have enough gymnasium space to meet requirements.

Site improvement, $3.8 million. Grading and site work will be needed at most schools where new construction and renovations will be made in the next decade.

Air conditioning, $1.9 million. Some of the older schools do not have air conditioning, which can hamper the learning environment when schools remain in session into June.

Security and safety of students, $1.9 million. Some of the older schools were built prior to requirements for fire and smoke detectors, sprinkler systems and other safety equipment.

School bus replacement, $1.5 million. Thirty-one of the county's fleet of 176 school buses need to be replaced because they are reaching the 12-year state limit on use. The schools also need to replace 20 trucks, tractors, vans and other vehicles at a cost of $543,100.

The school system also is asking for band instruments at a cost of $771,705. Instruments that are 15 years old or older need to be replaced or overhauled. The schools also need $250,000 for computer laboratories and other equipment for the fine arts.

The School Board list of $38 million in additional projects includes $23.9 million for a new Cave Spring High and stadium. The proposal also includes $7.5 million for a field house at Northside High.

There is some overlap between the $50 million and $38 million lists because some of the renovation and expansion work on Cave Spring High would not be done if a new high school is built.

The School Board will submit the capital-improvements plan to the Board of Supervisors next week. Gordon said the plan can be revised as a result of the work session with the supervisors.

The supervisors will decide whether there will be a bond referendum in November for school projects.

Gordon said that all projects and equipment are needed, but the board will have to make tough choices if it does not get all of the money it needs.

"There are some things that might have to be delayed and others that might never be built, but this is a comprehensive list of our needs," Gordon said.

Board will prioritize the projects.