ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Sunday, February 4, 1996               TAG: 9602050007
SECTION: CURRENT                  PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
COLUMN: Guest Column
SOURCE: LEWIS PRATT 

PULASKI SCHOOL BOARD SEEKS CITIZEN INPUT, SUPPORT

I would like to invite Pulaski County citizens to join the School Board in an exciting venture. The School Board, together with teachers, administrators, parents and students, has embarked upon a journey to improve our school division. The future of our county depends upon the quality of the education we offer this future generation of citizens, workers and taxpayers.

This process began two years ago as we analyzed our school building needs. Educational programs must be housed in buildings that can accommodate demands for the 21st century. For some time now, we have been developing educational programs to meet those new demands. We are at a point, however, where our school buildings no longer fit the new demands. With the exception of our high school and Critzer Elementary School, our schools average over 40 years of age.

The information age is upon us along with an explosion of knowledge unlike any in the history of mankind. It is imperative that our teachers and students work in schools that have adequate space and access to the new technology. Our community must make major decisions on how to meet these needs.

The School Board has hired an architectural firm to study our buildings. From this study will come a variety of recommendations. Issues such as whether to consolidate our schools, whether to close certain schools, whether to build new schools, whether to remodel and renovate older schools will be among the various topics we must explore. The implications for our county are staggering.

Whether you have children in school or not, regardless of whether you are a retired citizen, or a business person, you have a vested interest in the future of our county.

Your tax dollars do indeed support our endeavors. We need to hear your ideas, your opinions, and your thoughts. We have scheduled a community dialogue on Thursday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. in Pulaski County High School.

I would like very much for you to join us as we plan the future together.

Lewis Pratt of Draper is chairman of the Pulaski County School Board.

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