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

DATE: FRIDAY, June 3, 1994                   TAG: 9406030096
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By WHET MOSER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

A LITTLE COMPETITION MIGHT HELP

I AM in my ninth and final year at Community School, a small, alternative elementary and junior high school in the Hollins area. There being no alternative high school in the Roanoke Valley, I face the transition to a more traditional program or having to go miles away to find another alternative school.

While both choices are slightly uncomfortable, I thought I could adjust to my decision without too much trouble. Unfortunately, the adjustment (and, therefore, the trouble) has hit before I could even get out of junior high.

After planning for months, my parents and I began to schedule visits so we could make the final decision. Lord Borerourt, the high school in my district, was one one of the final candidates. I had heard some good things about it, and hoped to attend to classes for a day there. My advisor and friend said she would enter our request.

One phone call got us a rejection of our plea without a clear reason. We waited over a week as one of the counselors tried to get us in for one visit. At least this time we learned why I couldn't come. Something about liability. What would happen if I fell? What would happen if I broke my arm? They were not sure if this was a state policy, but that was beside the point.

Let me clear up any confusion. It can't be a state policy, because some of my peers have been welcomed with open arms into other area high schools. In fact, Patrick Henry High School said they could schedule a visit for me anytime.

It appears it isn't a school. Prospective students are allowed to come for a "open house" in which they are allowed to tour the building but cannot attend classes. You certantly don't have to sign your name in triplicate to attend a basketball game.

And while we fight, the school year slides by, one week for every time we can get in touch. One gets the feeling they do not have a special intrest in having me attend.

This is all very intresting in the midst of the national school reform debate and the calls for school funding equity now in state government limbo. Reducing funding disparity is a nobel effort, but no amount of money will help if the students are expendable

In San Francisco, a new approach is being tried where schools will compete for students in return for funding and other benefits. The competition should bring out the best in the schools, and will at least create a pursuit for new children. This forces the schools to make their programs attractive to students, which may improve a public school system that has deteriorated without having any competetion.

It seems to work in private schools, and it could solve some problems in public schools that cannot be fixed with money alone.

Whet Moser, 13, is a student at Community School in Roanoke County.

by CNB