Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, January 12, 1995 TAG: 9501120083
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
It's paying off so well, in fact, that it's creating problems - space problems, that is, for school administrators.
Crystal Spring Elementary, one of the seven elementary schools that have been renovated in the past seven years, already is bursting at the seams.
The school renovations have attracted new residents to neighborhoods and helped spark enrollment gains in some schools that have exceeded projections, school administrators say.
Superintendent Wayne Harris said at a hearing Wednesday night on his preliminary school budget that the enrollment in elementary schools has increased by more than 100 students, and another increase is expected next year.
The space problem was a big issue for some at the hearing.
Parents at South Roanoke's Crystal Spring asked Harris to provide modular classrooms at the school next year if the enrollment increase continues.
Pam Kreger, president of the Crystal Spring Parent-Teacher Association, said Crystal Spring has lost its art and music rooms because they are being used for classrooms.
She said the neighborhood is happy with the growth, which indicates that more young couples are moving to South Roanoke, she said.
"We believe that it shows that parents like" Harris and the way the schools are being operated, she said. "We are happy about it, but we want to be sure that there are enough rooms."
Richard Kelley, assistant superintendent for operations, said two classrooms were added when Crystal Spring was remodeled.
Kelley said there are two reasons why some elementary schools are filled. The renovations have caused more young couples to live in the city. And the state has mandated smaller classes in kindergarten through third grade so a school division with a large number of children from low-income families may receive more state funds.
The classes can have no more than 18 pupils if more than half them receive free lunches.
"That has had an effect, because smaller classes require more classrooms," Kelley said.
The PTA leaders said Crystal Spring has fewer classrooms now than it did before the renovation, but Kelley disagreed.
by CNB