ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, February 16, 1997 TAG: 9702180004
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
County must not cut reading teachers
We wish to commend the decision of the Montgomery County School Board to rescind the budget cuts that would have deleted extra elementary reading teachers for county schools.
It is obvious our elementary schools need the help these additional reading teachers can provide, especially for "at-risk" students. With so much of our children's education dependent upon their reading skills, what better way is there for them to obtain these skills than with the help of reading specialists? We must take all possible measures to ensure that our students become the best possible readers.
We support the School Board's decision, even though it may result in a tax increase. We feel better reading training for younger pupils will result in better and more capable pupils and more productive citizens. We must not be selfish in decisions that could have an adverse effect upon our students in Montgomery County. It is our duty to provide the basics, with reading training being a priority.
We hope the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors will take the advice of the School Board in keeping these reading positions. Our county classroom teachers are burdened enough with day-to-day responsibilities without adding the extra burden of teaching reading to students with reading difficulties. The reading teachers can do a great deal to alleviate this problem while helping our children.
Mary Burtner
Blacksburg, The Blacksburg Intermediate Women's Club
Words of support for Tech coach
After reading today's sports page in The Roanoke Times about Virginia Tech women's basketball program ["Tough times for women's hoops at Tech," Feb. 6 Sports section], I just had to write this letter. Coach Carol Alfano is not only an excellent coach but a nice lady with a lot of class. She not only cares about her players but the fans. She's always willing to go that extra mile to help someone. Also she has an excellent support staff. They all work hard. The coach cannot prevent players from getting hurt or leaving for personal reasons. Carol Alfano should be give a new four-year contract and paid as much as coach Bill Foster gets. She does an equal job.
C.W. Hall
Pearisburg
LENGTH: Short : 49 linesby CNB