Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 26, 1992 TAG: 9203260463
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: W9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CHARLES STEBBINS WEST CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The program would mean more extensive cable television in the schools at no cost to the school system.
In fact, it could create income for the school system.
Bob Nay, director of marketing for the telephone company, told school board members that if the program goes through, the company will compensate the schools for instructional programming picked up by other cable subscribers.
The program will link Salem schools through cable TV to other schools, businesses and organizations throughout the Roanoke Valley that become part of the system.
Nay said the system would allow schools to "broadcast" their instructional programs to all other participants as well as picking up educational programs from other sources.
School Superintendent Wayne Tripp said the program is "intriguing and has many possibilities." He urged the school board to join the system because, he said, the schools would have nothing to lose.
Nay said the wireless program came about because the Federal Communications Commission is attempting to increase competition in the cable TV industry.
The Roanoke and Botetourt Telephone Co. has applied for a license to operate the system in the Roanoke Valley. But, Nay said, several out-of-state companies also have applied for licenses to operate the system here. He said his company is trying to keep the operation of the cable system with a local company.
The program works on a line-of-sight microwave transmission of satellite and other programming to homes, schools and businesses.
The FCC is expected to grant a license later this year, and Nay said that if his company wins, it probably would be mid-1993 before the system would become operational.
Also at their meeting this week, school board members received for study several proposed revisions to the school system's policy manual.
Tripp, who proposed the revisions, said they are designed to bring the policy manual up to date with various school and social issues. They include a student conduct code and policies covering sexual harassment, conflict of interest by board members, and job applicants who have had criminal convictions.
In other business, the board voted to use an unused snow day, April 17, which is Good Friday, to the extend the spring break.
by CNB