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

DATE: SUNDAY, March 8, 1992                   TAG: 9203060231
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

MONTGOMERY SHOULD BOOST SCHOOL BUDGET

As the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors deliberates the proposed school budget, it's easy to recognize the difficult decisions that need to be made on education.

The supervisors have to consider the desires of all citizens when it comes to our schools. Unfortunately, most people don't voice supportive opinions about our schools to the supervisors because their words fall on deaf ears. A major issue is the continuing attitude on the part of our supervisors that their mission is to operate the schools with the least financial support the county can allocate.

The size of the proposed school budget is unique, given the times we are in. But it is also unique in that it had grass-roots input. It truly represents the direction in which many, many people want our school system to move. Still, our supervisors are entrenched in a mind-set that rules out improvements for which we all might have to pay.

No one expects the budget to be passed as is. But as our supervisors rush to maintain spending levels of two years ago, I ask if that's all we should settle for. Teacher salaries lag behind the state average and even behind those in neighboring counties. And this in one of the most affluent counties in Western Virginia.

Classrooms with 30 and 32 pupils per teacher are not the best environment for learning. Any student who does not have access to computers will be hopelessly disadvantaged in tomorrow's world. I want my children to have a perspective on a complex world from innovative programs.

I believe the proposed school budget addresses these concerns. It's not as important to grant every penny as it is to say, "Here is the course we're setting and how much can we do now to meet our goals."

The School Board has decided any time is a good time to raise expectations. To follow its lead can only improve the quality of life in our country. It's the Board of Supervisors turn to display courage and vision. It's easy to say no to quality education. They can deliver a "smart highway" for the benefit of the few and far between. Can they give us smart schools for the benefit of many?\ T.G. Kegley\ Riner

by CNB