ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, April 3, 1996 TAG: 9604030064
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG
SOURCE: LISA APPLEGATE STAFF WRITER
The Montgomery County School Board voted 5-2 Tuesday night to request that the state participate in Goals 2000.
The federal program provides money to states and localities for school reform, teacher training, curriculum development and educational materials.
Gov. George Allen has rejected the funds, saying the program would result in an unnecessary federal intrusion into state schools.
One parent, Susan Sheridan, told the board not to believe the "no strings attached" claim made by the federal government. She praised the new Standards of Learning curriculum guides developed recently by the state and questioned whether the federal government would try to change those standards.
"I fear that Goals 2000 will come to drive the curriculum," she said.
Board member Barry Worth said he wanted to table the discussion until more information about experiences in other states is available.
Many supporters say there are no federal regulations or mandates linked to the program.
The General Assembly said the state can participate in Goals 2000 if two-thirds of the state's school boards request it.
Roanoke County voted unanimously to request the funding last week.
The Radford School Board will consider the option Thursday.
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