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

DATE: TUESDAY, February 19, 1991                   TAG: 9102190403
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

LOOK ALSO AT SCHOOLS IN ROCKBRIDGE

In response to repeated comments about the city's emphasis on academics, the question that comes immediately to mind is: What do these parents think that the emphasis is on in the county schools, if not academics?

Another county parent of a city-tuition student mentioned the city schools had "a good mix" of children from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. So do the county schools.

One other area mentioned was the terrific library at Waddell. Central Elementary, in the county, has a very impressive and attractive library that is constantly utilized by students, teacher and parents.

In all actuality, the areas of concern mentioned in this article are just not addressed in the Lexington city school system. An area of concern for me is where these particular parents get their information to make these comparisons. Do they visit the county schools to see for themselves whether discrepancies really exist, or do they depend upon gossip or hearsay?

The article also stated: "Many county parents who send their children to Lexington schools emphasize that there is nothing wrong with the county schools. Many simply wanted a different kind of peer group for their children." As a county teacher, I find it very satisfying and rewarding to teach children from all walks of life, not just children whose parents are highly educated and "force the schools to pay a whole lot of attention to test scores." THERESA J. STRAUB LEXINGTON