DATE: Thursday, March 13, 1997              TAG: 9703130373

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B01  EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA 

SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: BUXTON                            LENGTH:   56 lines

SCIENCE CENTER PROPOSAL MOVES FORWARD IN BUXTON

County and federal officials are nearing an agreement that could clear the way for the former National Weather Service station here to become an environmental science center for students.

Dare County Assistant Superintendent Gene Gallelli made the announcement at Tuesday night's meeting of the Board of Education at Cape Hatteras School.

An agreement would bring a successful conclusion to talks that began in 1988.

``We want to convert it to an environmental sciences study center,'' Gallelli said. ``That's close to becoming a reality.''

Gallelli said the center opens the way to a variety of educational options for teachers and students.

``There's potential to bring professionals to teach at the center for a period of time,'' Gallelli said. ``Teachers could be assigned there for a period of time. You could have fellowships here for students. If you look at any one of these, the synergy is endless.''

School Board Member Allen Burrus, a longtime proponent of acquisition of the station, said the property represents more than just 5 good acres.

``It represents an opportunity to integrate higher standards for our children,'' Burrus said. ``This will allow us to take advantage of what we are and where we are. There's such a wealth of marine life and a large estuarine system. The possibility of our students doing residencies here is very exciting.''

In a related matter, the school district will receive $179,000 in grants from Burroughs-Wellcome pharmaceuticals over the next three years. The money will be used to help build interest in upper-level science among female students.

In other business, the school district will submit a slightly new wrinkle in the second year of its next two-year budget cycle. Holleman said that because of inflation and student population growth, the school district finds itself short of funds for the second year of the spending plan.

School finance officials will submit a second-year proposal amendment that will allow for a 3 percent inflation factor, and additional funding based on student population growth.

In 1992, Holleman said, the system had a student population of 3,700 students. This year's student population is 4,543.

In other action, the school board:

Approved the 1997-98 calendar. Staff will report to school on Aug. 19; the first day of school is Aug. 27.

Heard an initial report by the system's science and technology committee. Comprised of faculty members, the panel's aim is to improve curriculum delivery of science courses to students.

Accepted the school district's 1995-96 audit. Board members expressed concern about the district's food service program, which operated in the red for the year.

Approved a contract for roof repairs at Manteo Elementary School. The repairs will begin during spring break. Roof repair at Cape Hatteras School is scheduled to begin this summer.

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