Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, March 16, 1990 TAG: 9003162472
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By KATHY LOAN SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The weeklong walkout by teachers has prompted some West Virginia parents to seek classroom space for their children in Virginia's border counties, even though tuition most likely would be required.
The Giles County School Board decided Wednesday to accept applications from West Virginia students.
The board authorized Robert McCracken, division superintendent, to admit the West Virginia students to Giles County schools - but only if the students commit to staying for the rest of the school year and pay in advance a non-refundable tuition of $100 per month.
The Associated Press reported Thursday that public school classes in West Virginia were canceled through today for a "cooling off period." Striking teachers Wednesday rejected the governor's latest proposal to end a weeklong walkout. The strike by 19,000 of the state's 22,000 public schoolteachers began March 7.
McCracken said he had received five applications from four families this week and had seven other inquiries. McCracken did not pinpoint where the applicants came from or what grades the children were in, but did say the applicants included students interested in attending Rich Creek Elementary, Narrows Elementary and Narrows High schools.
The county will admit the out-of-state students as long as room is available without infringing on space needed for Giles County students.
McCracken said Giles County would not gain additional state aid for the tuition-paying students. Taking the additional students, he said, is "simply a convenience since there is class space available." And while $100 a month for each student is not a lot of money, "it's a hundred dollars we didn't have."
Tazewell County also has received inquiries from West Virginia students. But Superintendent Frank Cosby said the board has decided not to take any students during this school year.
"Our position now is not to take them. If they're still interested next year, we'll consider that," Cosby said.
Tazewell County has received "a substantial number" of requests to enroll "since their problems started last week," he said. The School Board's decision not to take West Virginia students at this time is because of the confusion over how long the strike will last.
William H. Baker, superintendent of Mercer County, W.Va., said Thursday morning that he had heard rumors that West Virginia students were applying to Giles and Tazewell county schools. "I am aware this is happening, but we're hoping it will all be over by Monday," he said.
"We certainly don't want our students going to another state to get an education."
Baker said he hopes the decision to close schools Thursday and today leads to some resolution of the strike issues by Monday. "I hope cool heads prevail."
Alvin C. Profitt, superintendent of Monroe County, W.Va., said Thursday he was not aware that students were applying to Giles County.
But Profitt said he understands the concerns of parents worried about the effect a strike will have on the quality of their children's education.
The superintendent said one major concern for parents is that if striking teachers are fired, they will be replaced by teachers who may not be certified. Profitt said 38 of 152 teachers in Monroe County had reported for work since the strike.
by CNB