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

DATE: FRIDAY, May 25, 1990                   TAG: 9005250512
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A12   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

MERGING FINANCES HAS SAVED TAX DOLLARS

IN YOUR April 17 editorial regarding the fiscal overrun in the Roanoke County schools, you made reference to a similar problem in the Roanoke City schools that resulted in the city's takeover of school finances. I would like to provide clarification and background on this statement.

The reason for consolidation of the city schools' finances with the city administration was not the result of school overspending but was agreed to by both city government and the School Board in the interest of governmental efficiency.

The contract for consolidation of school finances with the city was approved by City Council and the School Board in June 1981. The agreement was the end result of recommendations made by an independent management-consultant hired by City Council and the School Board to evaluate the potential for consolidation of certain city and school functions.

As a result of this agreement, the city and schools have achieved a number of efficiencies in their fiscal operations that have saved taxpayers close to $1 million over the past decade.

\ RICHARD L. KELLEY\ Executive for Business Affairs\ Roanoke City Public Schools\ ROANOKE

by CNB