THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 24, 1996 TAG: 9603220245
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Opinion
SOURCE: BY C. GRIGSBY SCIFRES
LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
Many members of the Chamber of Commerce have expressed to me their concerns about the events which have resulted from the recent School Division deficit. Much of the aftermath - political posturing, a special grand jury investigation, mass School Board resignations and 50 new candidates seeking election - has been more harmful than the deficit and has diverted this community's focus. It is time to leave the hurting behind and recommit ourselves to excellence in public education. This commitment must remain unwavering and must be supported by our tax dollars.
Superior public education is essential to maintaining and enhancing the vitality of our city. To broaden the commercial tax base and provide the quality job growth necessary for our children's future, Virginia Beach must constantly strive to retain existing businesses and attract new companies. Economic development is a daunting task at best given the competition among communities and regions seeking similar opportunities. Because the quality of public schools is a major concern for businesses considering relocation, Virginia Beach will not achieve its potential unless first-class public education is a top priority.
By almost any measure, the evidence demonstrates that Virginia Beach children receive a good education in our public schools. Learning has continued despite the School Division's fiscal woes. The school administration must address the financial and management problems that led to the budget deficit and then quickly move forward. Dr. Jenney and his administration require our support to accomplish these tasks. As a community, we continually need to think long-term and to invest in our city's future. Although more money is not a panacea, many pressing needs - such as more classrooms and teachers to eliminate portables and reduce pupil-teacher ratios and the hardware, software and training to provide technological education to all students - require immediate funding.
As the May elections approach, there are several important facts which must be considered when evaluating School Board candidates. The School Division is a vast enterprise encompassing 82 schools, more than 77,000 students with a myriad of needs and more than 9,000 employees. For fiscal year 1995-96, the operating budget exceeds $358 million and the capital improvement budget exceeds $34 million. If the School Board is to effectively chart a course for students and employees, then it requires talented and diverse members that can develop a shared vision. In addition to members with experience in education, the School Board also needs members that have experience in finance, construction, real estate, employee benefits, insurance and management. Although School Board members should not micro-manage the School Division, the responsibilities of the position require a minimum of two days per week. Integrity and a desire to serve the public, while important, are not sufficient qualifications to guide such a large, multifaceted business.
The field is crowded with candidates. It will be difficult to make informed choices. However, voters must meet the challenge of learning about each candidate and electing the best available people.
Together, Virginia Beach can achieve much. As Virginia's largest city, we are a community of over 430,000 people and 145,000 households with a median household income in excess of $42,000 per year. To enhance our prosperity and provide a future in Virginia Beach for our children, this community must steadfastly support quality public education. MEMO: C. Grigsby Scifres is chairman of the Virginia Beach Division of the
Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce.
KEYWORDS: VIRGINIA BEACH SCHOOL BOARD by CNB