Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, February 18, 1994 TAG: 9402180199
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BONNIE V. WINSTON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
Many of the school districts are in Western Virginia.
Pushed by Democratic leaders as a first step toward easing disparities in aid to rich and poor schools, the proposals would pump $102 million into public schools during 1994-96 to reduce class sizes for kindergarten through third grade and to establish preschool programs for at-risk 4-year-olds.
While the money would be distributed statewide, rural and urban school districts would receive more per pupil than would wealthier, suburban school systems, said Del. Thomas Jackson, D-Hillsville.
"The executive branch has ignored [school disparity] for all too long. This is putting the money where the mouth is," said House Majority Leader Richard Cranwell, D-Roanoke County.
Roanoke public schools would get $2.4 million, the most of any locality in the region. Roanoke County would be eligible for more than $327,000, while other area school districts would receive lesser amounts.
Under the House version of the plan, localities would have to put up some money in order to draw the added state aid. The poorer the school district, the lower the local match, however.
Under both versions, the $100 million would be generated by commandeering $72.9 million in increased revenue collections announced this week by Gov. George Allen and by delaying repeal of the state sales tax on nonprescription drugs and tax credits for low-income housing for two more years.
Allen said Thursday that he must "look at the details" of the package before commenting fully.
But later, Allen's spokesman, Ken Stroupe, said the governor "needs to see how the entire [proposed state] budget is structured" before agreeing to having the $72.9 million revenue increase applied to disparity.
"The governor has four primary priorities - $30 million for the Harper pension case settlement, $15 million for public safety, $23 million for higher education restoration, and $19 million in new funding for economic development. Once those are addressed, then we can look at other priorities," Stroupe said.
But delegates and senators seemed inclined Thursday to approve the school aid. Senate Majority Leader Hunter Andrews, D-Hampton, urged senators to support the measure, while the House gave tentative approval on a voice vote. Final House consideration is set for today.
"As good as these proposals are, this is only a first step," said Sen. Jack Reasor, D-Bluefield. "There will need to be more done over the years. I don't want anyone to think this will solve the problem of educational disparity."
by CNB