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

DATE: FRIDAY, March 6, 1992                   TAG: 9203060392
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: MOUNT JACKSON                                LENGTH: Short

KIDS ASKED TO HELP RAISE SCHOOL FUNDS

Stonewall Jackson High School Principal Peter Hughes asked the school's 470 students to raise money for office expenses and transportation for student activities.

The deficit was caused by severe school cuts in Shenandoah County, Hughes said.

In a letter to parents last week, Hughes said the school was allotted about $4,600 this year to pay for phones, photocopiers, postage and office supplies. But he said the school expects those expenses will total about $12,000. The transportation budget is about $700 short, he said.

"Based on the shortfalls, we are faced with either reducing the services . . . or raising the funds to support these areas for the remainder of the year," the letter says. "We felt it was preferable to organize a fund-raiser and to maintain services."

Hughes said the school's bank account is solvent, but the general fund, which supports the office, is deficient.

Hughes said most students and parents were surprised to hear of the deficit and supported the candy sale. Parents or students who opposed the sale were under no pressure to participate, Hughes said. The sale concludes Monday.