Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 9, 1994 TAG: 9406100007
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: New River Valley bureau
DATELINE: DUBLIN LENGTH: Medium
Pat Duncan, the school's director, also will meet with a department representative and brief him on the school at the end of June when she and other Governor's School directors meet in Richmond with William Bosher, state superintendent of public instruction.
Both Duncan and Pulaski County Superintendent Bill Asbury have talked by telephone with the department representative assigned to study the request for a new school building in Southwest Virginia.
Both told the Governor's School board Tuesday that the initial reaction from the state level seems to be one of skepticism that a new building is needed. Asbury was asked why the facilities of Pulaski County High School, where the existing Governor's School building is located, could not be used instead.
Asbury said he explained that the Governor's School covers a region from the New River Valley west to Smyth County. Some computer program networking already has been carried out between the Governor's School and high school.
The new building is planned to house such facilities as an observatory and perhaps a classroom allowing interactive programs with other schools throughout the region through television.
State Sen. Madison Marye, D-Shawsville, who introduced the legislation allowing the planning for a new building, had been skeptical, too, at first about the need for another building. He changed his mind after visiting the school, seeing what it offered, and realizing how crowded it has become.
The legislation requires an analysis of the request, so the board is eager for the state representatives to see the school first-hand.
by CNB