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

DATE: THURSDAY, May 12, 1994                   TAG: 9405120184
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SCHOOLS PLAN EARLIER FALL START

For the first time in years, some children in the Roanoke Valley will go to school before Labor Day.

The opening day for Salem will be Aug. 29. Roanoke County schools might open the same day. Labor Day this year is Sept. 5.

Schools in Roanoke are not eligible to open before Labor Day. Their first day will be Sept. 7.

The Salem School Board has voted to take advantage of a state Board of Education decision to let school divisions start early if they meet two conditions: they were closed for at least 10 days because of bad weather during the 1993-94 school year, and they close Sept. 6 and 7 for the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashana.

Roanoke's school division is ineligible because it missed only nine days because of bad weather.

In Roanoke County, administrators will recommend tonight that the School Board approve a school calendar with classes starting Aug. 29.

Deanna Gordon, assistant superintendent, said Wednesday there are different sentiments on the issue. She would not predict the board's decision.

Salem Superintendent Wayne Tripp recommended the early opening because it will accommodate more snow days and an earlier end of classes next spring. He said the early opening this year will strengthen the argument for the General Assembly to change state law to permit schools to open before Labor Day.

The state's tourism industry has persuaded the legislature to reject bills permitting the early opening.

The state board's action was a one-time waiver because there was so much bad weather last winter.

Roanoke Superintendent Wayne Harris said he wishes the city could open its schools early, too.

In Salem, students will attend school from Aug. 29 to Sept. 2. Schools will be closed on Labor Day, Sept. 5, and on Sept. 6 and 7.

Roanoke County will follow a similar schedule if the School Board approves the administration's recommendation.

Most school divisions in Western Virginia are eligible for the early opening because they missed more than 10 days this winter. Several have said they will seek a waiver so they can start early.

by CNB