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

DATE: SUNDAY, July 16, 1995                   TAG: 9507170077
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: D4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: STAUNTON                                 LENGTH: Short

DEAF, BLIND SCHOOLS MAY UNITE

A committee considering whether to consolidate the Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind will advise officials to move all or most activities to the Staunton facility, a committee member says.

The state schools in Staunton and Hampton have 285 students. The committee suggested consolidating the schools in Staunton or leaving the Hampton school to serve only those students with multiple disabilities, Staunton VSDB Superintendent Joseph W. Panko said.

``There was no discussion as far as I know of closing VSDB in Staunton,'' said Panko, a member of the review committee. ``All the recommendations indicate increasing service through VSDB Staunton.''

Panko emphasized that the committee's recommendations are preliminary and must be presented to William C. Bosher Jr., the state superintendent of public instruction, and then to the secretary of education, the state board of education and finally to several committees of the General Assembly.

Operating both schools costs about $12 million, Panko said.

``We believe we could do it for less ... and still operate a good program,'' he said.

- Associated Press

by CNB