Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, May 8, 1994 TAG: 9405100017
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: D3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JAMES W. DYKE JR.
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
The importance of resolving the educational-disparity issue was quickly grasped by then-Gov. Douglas Wilder when he was newly elected. In one of his first acts, he established the Commission on Educational Opportunity for All Virginians, co-chaired by former Dels. Bill Lemmon and Dorothy McDiarmid. The commission's recommendations are still valid today. They must be implemented, so that the real winners from the court's decision will be the children of Virginia.
The General Assembly and the governor should consider several fundamental principles.
The central focus must be on the quality of the educational program, not by how much money is spent per pupil. It is not the amount of money that determines academic success, but how the money is spent. The educational program funded in Virginia by the state's Standards of Quality must stress high academic standards, local control in meeting state goals, and fiscal and programmatic accountability. Limited educational resources must be spent effectively and efficiently, and each student provided access to a foundation program that develops skills in reading, writing, math, science, technology, the arts, social studies and a global perspective. For this to become a reality, the current Standards of Quality must be raised significantly and costed out realistically.
The commonwealth and local school systems must also establish an accountability system to assess how well students are mastering those skills. Further, localities must not be prohibited from exceeding the foundation program required by the Standards of Quality.
State funding of schools should continue to be distributed based on a locality's ability to pay, but the measure of that ability needs revision. The fact that Nelson County is the location for the Wintergreen Resort, for example, should not produce a composite index that treats Nelson County as a wealthy jurisdiction when in reality it is not. The same holds true for jurisdictions that have power plants within their boundaries, or where many nonresidents own valuable property that inflates the index yet does not yield significant tax revenue for the local government.
A revised funding formula must also include a required local effort, since many localities can do more to pay their fair share of the educational program. Local real-estate tax rates in Virginia range from approximately 25 cents per $100 of value to more than $1.50 per $100. Many of those at the lower end are indeed poor localities that cannot afford to pay more. But others can, if they make education a priority.
Without a requirement to pay their fair share, some jurisdictions will reduce their local contribution whenever the state increases its share of education money. It is no secret who those jurisdictions are, since many are the first to call for more state aid but are unwilling themselves to pay for a better school system.
Several other steps need to be taken:
Substantial involvement by parents, the business community and local school and government officials as part of the revolution in education.
In the distribution of state education funds, taking into account the fact that different students require different levels of funding to succeed. (In 1992, we took a big first step by returning funds to localities based on the number of at-risk students in the jurisdiction.)
A larger role for the state in assisting localities to pay for capital projects. Many localities either do not have the resources to pay for new or renovated schools, or are growing so rapidly that they cannot afford to build schools fast enough. A recent General Assembly study that endorsed an expanded state role in capital funding should be acted upon.
Making technology, computers and distance-learning programs basic components of our education program. The state must work with the private sector to provide the necessary technology so that distance learning and use of the information highway become a reality in every school.
Regional cooperation, to reduce costs in such support areas as administration, custodial and food services, purchasing, and transportation. Further cost savings may also be possible by contracting some services to the private sector.
Enhancement of professional and training opportunities for teachers and administrators, so that the most effective and efficient teaching techniques are known by those on the front line.
Reduction of class sizes, especially in the early grades.
For teachers, fair compensation based on performance, a larger role in decision-making, treatment as professionals, and incentives to attract needed teachers to parts of the state where disparity exists.
School safety, and increased health and social support for students. It's hard for students to concentrate on getting a quality education if they come to school sick or hungry, or without the support of an adult interested in their future, or concerned that another student may be carrying a dangerous weapon.
And the educational-funding pie must be increased. Efforts can be made to reduce costs and fund only effective and efficient programs, but eventually more money will be needed to achieve a world-class educational system. I believe citizens will pay for a better education system if they are confident it will be run efficiently and in a fiscally responsible manner that produces students who are employable, job-ready and prepared for further education. A stronger education program is the state's best economic-development tool.
These are but a few of the specific steps necessary for finally resolving the disparity issue. One need only read the recommendations of the Commission on Education Opportunity for All Virginians to see that the game plan is already there. What is now required is the determination, financial resources and fiscal responsibility to carry it out.
Fortunately, the 1994 General Assembly - led by the chairmen of its money committees, Sen. Hunter Andrews and Dels. Richard Cranwell and Robert Ball -took a giant step in this direction. Some $103 million was added to the budget to address disparity further by lowering class sizes, expanding technology and other such efforts.
Many of us are very happy about the court's unanimous decision. But we cannot rest. We must act to serve all the students of Virginia. May political and community leaders also join that effort, so that in the future we can look back with pride on April 15, 1994, as the day Virginia set forth on the final journey to end educational disparity and guarantee that its students are academically competitive in the 21st century.
James W. Dyke Jr.,Virginia secretary of education in the Wilder administration, is a partner in the Tysons Corner law office of McGuire, Woods, Battle and Boothe.
by CNB