THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, November 18, 1994 TAG: 9411180469
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JON GLASS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines
A divided state Board of Education voted Thursday not to jump at federal dollars available to states that agree to adopt national education goals.
Board members, split 5-3, chose caution and delay rather than committing themselves to Goals 2000, an initiative that has revealed sharp political and philosophical differences over the federal government's role in education.
``It's not a complicated decision, but politically it is complicated,'' board member Alan L. Wurtzel said.
The board, which has until June to decide whether to apply for the money, voted to wait until March. The board plans to use the time to gauge public opinion and to learn more about the implications of accepting the money.
A spokesman for Gov. George F. Allen, who has the final say over whether the state participates in Goals 2000, applauded the board's move, saying too many uncertainties remain in the federal program.
``We're not willing to go out on a limb and say wholeheartedly we support Goals 2000,'' said Ken Stroupe, the spokesman.
``I think that would be a drastic mistake. We want education reform that has the support of the citizens of Virginia. We don't need trendy theories being advocated by federal bureaucrats and education experts.''
The board has wrestled with the issue for three months. State Superintendent William C. Bosher Jr. has urged the board to let other states be guinea pigs - so far all but about a dozen have sought the funds.
The Nov. 8 election, which put Republicans in charge of Congress, has added a wild card, Bosher said. Some of the new GOP leaders oppose the idea of national education standards.
Several state board members argued that the delay will hurt local school systems, which would receive most of the federal money. Slightly more than $14 million would be available initially in Virginia to help localities develop and implement standards compatible with the national goals.
The voluntary goals include school safety, tough academic standards, teacher development and parental involvement.
Federal education officials have promised states plenty of flexibility.
``I think the money that would be going to local school districts is critical,'' board member Lewis M. Nelson Jr. said.
Thursday's vote should not be interpreted as a rejection of the goals, said board President James P. Jones, who sided with the majority.
``I believe we ought to apply for those funds,'' Jones said, ``but it's like many things where it's necessary to build support in the larger community to make it effective. The wait does not harm us, and it may help us resolve this issue.'' by CNB