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

DATE: SUNDAY, May 22, 1994                   TAG: 9405220025
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: E-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Cody Lowe
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

ALLEN ANNOUNCES PANEL TO STUDY SCHOOL REFORM

While making his case for diverse higher-education opportunities at Virginia Military Institute's graduation Saturday, Gov. George Allen said options should be available at the elementary and secondary school levels, as well.

In his speech to VMI graduates, Allen announced that next week he will create a Champion Schools Commission charged with developing "a comprehensive reform plan for elementary and secondary education in Virginia. Bringing the benefits of diversity and choice to schooling at that level will be one of the commission's priorities."

The governor said, "It is time to throw open the doors to innovation - to inject a dose of good old-fashioned American competition into what has become a tired and tiresome monopoly."

In a later interview, Allen said the commission is going to "look at options" - including such things as vouchers and tax credits that might be used to help pay for education at private or parochial schools.

He compared that to the current policy of giving tax-supported tuition-assistance grants to Virginia students at private colleges in the state.

The commission will make initial recommendations for action by year's end, Allen said, to be followed by more detailed recommendations in 1995.

by CNB