THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, February 16, 1996 TAG: 9602160001
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Medium: 52 lines
Two exciting Virginia Beach projects are in the news this week. First is the proposed beautification of Pacific Avenue. Second is a plan to build a major convention center in the city.
Both plans are in the early phases, both are costly. And both proposals deserve a close look.
Unfortunately, neither is likely to go anywhere - regardless of merit - as long as the Virginia Beach Public School system remains in disarray.
Rough estimates for the Pacific Avenue improvements place the price tag on the 10-year plan at $48 million to $68 million. The convention center, big enough to fill resort area hotels and dwarf the city's Pavilion, would cost an estimated $100 million.
A face lift for Pacific Avenue would be welcome, especially after the success of the Atlantic Avenue project. Although the Pacific Avenue beautification would be paid for by a special fund derived from taxes on resort hotel and restaurant sales, the plan will be a hard sell while voters and taxpayers are concerned that the schools are in financial trouble and students in danger of being educationally shortchanged.
The convention center, part of regional partnership with other Hampton Roads cities, may be even tougher to promote. At least one City Council member said citizens were already asking him how the city could consider such an investment when the school system was getting ready to slash spring sports to save money.
We agree that education must be the No. 1 concern of the city - ahead of pretty thoroughfares and big convention centers. But we are not convinced that this must be an either/or situation. Indeed, if tourism thrives more revenues will become available to pay for better schools.
Furthermore, if the Virginia Beach School Board weren't short of smarts, the schools might not be as short of cash. So far, the board and its administrators have shown themselves to be so inept at budgeting and personnel decisions that there is no guarantee more funds in their hands would improve the schools. It would be a pity if Virginia Beach had to put progress on hold because the School Board is unable or unwilling to put its house in order.
We urge the School Board to consolidate as many school services with the city's as possible - at the earliest opportunity. The board has dragged its collective feet long enough. One thing certain to build confidence in the schools would be to elect able members to the board. Voters will have that opportunity on May 7.
KEYWORDS: VIRGINIA BEACH SCHOOL BOARD by CNB