ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Saturday, June 15, 1996                TAG: 9606170077
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: C-3  EDITION: METRO 
DATELINE: RICHMOND
SOURCE: Associated Press 

NEW SUPER ANNOUNCED FOR SCHOOLS RICHARD LAPOINTE TO SUCCEED BOSHER

The state's new superintendent of public instruction says the federal government should have only a limited role in public education, a position that should please the man who appointed him, Gov. George Allen.

Allen on Friday introduced Richard LaPointe, who will take over for William Bosher. Bosher announced his resignation in May to become Chesterfield County school superintendent.

LaPointe said he shares Allen's skepticism about the federal Goals 2000 program and thinks the role of the federal government in state education should be limited.

``I believe the governor acted responsibly and courageously,'' LaPointe said, referring to Allen's refusal to accept Goals 2000 money and repeated contention that it brings unwarranted federal intrusion in local education.

LaPointe served most recently as a senior education adviser in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. His four-year appointment expired seven weeks ago and was not renewed by President Clinton.

LaPointe previously worked as an administrator in the Department of Education under Presidents Reagan and Bush. He also has been superintendent of the Contra Costa County, Calif., schools.

Both Allen and LaPointe said education in Virginia will continue to stress the basics.

LaPointe, of Fairfax County, said he is confident Virginia's students can meet educational standards set by the State Board of Education last year. He thinks the top priority of education should be to focus on high academic standards.

``We do students no service by accepting less,'' he said.

Questioned about difficulties some schools might have meeting the standards, Allen said Virginia taxpayers are spending $6 billion on primary and secondary education. By testing the students on the basics in third, fifth, eighth and 11th grades, the state ensures a return on its investment.

``Dr. LaPointe is an experienced, knowledgeable and principled leader who has ably served schools, parents and students in all levels of education - the front lines as an effective and engaging teacher, to the front office as a capable administrator,'' Allen said.

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