The Virginian-Pilot
                             THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Sunday, February 18, 1996              TAG: 9602170021
SECTION: COMMENTARY               PAGE: J4   EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   35 lines

SAVE VSDB AT HAMPTON

Once again, a bill has been introduced in the state Senate (SB522) to close the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind at Hampton and consolidate services for the deaf and the blind at the Staunton campus.

Since 1908, VSDB-H has offered quality educational services to students. We feel it is time to put a stop to the constant threat of closure. It is a hardship on the students we serve, their parents and staff. Our students have a strong allegiance to the school. Our parents trust and admire the dedication of the staff - many of whom have been employed here all of their working lives. We all need to feel secure in the knowledge that VSDB-H will remain open for many years to come.

The Virginia Board of Education is considering a resolution in support of the ``merger.'' It urges interested people to voice their opinions to James Laws, administrative assistant for board relations, or to speak in person at the meeting in Richmond on Feb. 22. Requests should be submitted in advance.

Mr. Laws can be contacted at: The Virginia Department of Education, P.O. Box 2120, Richmond 23219-2120.

CLAUDINE PAYNE, chairperson

Concerned Staff Committee

The Virginia School for the Deaf

and Blind at Hampton

Hampton, Jan. 29, 1996 by CNB