DATE: Sunday, November 16, 1997             TAG: 9711140183

SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN             PAGE: 08   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Letters 
                                            LENGTH:  171 lines

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - SUFFOLK

Well, the educational system received more funding (in the city's proposed captial improvements budget). What did the taxpayer receive?

More than one-third of the students who graduate from high school and attend institutions of higher learning require remedial work in reading and math.

We read in the news that the cost per pupil in Suffolk is $4,904 - not the lowest - and, at the same time, its teachers' average salary is the highest in the area.

It is not the amount that counts. It is how these funds are used. The quality of Suffolk's educational system speaks for itself.

How can the system keep asking for more funds, bemoaning the lack of school space, computer equipment for the classrooms etc., when it adheres to the archaic tradition of a nine-month school year? Year-round schools, used throughout the nation, increase the classroom space by about one-fourth and at very little additional cost.

Millions of dollars in construction costs for new schools can be saved. Millions of dollars can be saved by the use of computers and networking to consolidate purchasing, accounting, legal offices, etc., of city and school administrations.

How can our school administration have the impertinence to continue to ask taxpayers for more dollars when they are wasting millions by refusing to come into the 21st Century?

They would rather expend tax dollars to protect their own little fiefdom than enter into the real world.

In a recent survey of the 2,733 top teachers in ``Who's Who Among America's Teachers,'' the conclusion is: ``It is not a lack of funding that is dragging down our schools, nor is it drugs or racial strife. It is the lack of parental involvement.'' Buildings do not educate, nor can the schools take the place of the family.

We can provide all the funding the school administration requests, but without family involvement, it is of little value. What are some things that can be done?

Give the classrooms back to the teachers and do away with social promotions, which do more harm than good to the individual.

Encourage the educational establishment to adopt a 12-month school year before more school construction is funded.

Require the city and school administration to work together to improve efficiency and save taxpayers' dollars by combining operational departments with like functions through the use of computers and networking.

Require uniforms for all students, starting with the three lower grades and adding more grades to the program each year - nothing fancy, off-the-rack clothing. This would take a load off the parents' finances and eliminate a lot of peer pressure.

It is time that members of the educational system stop whining and start to do what the taxpayers fund them to do, to provide our youth with an education that is the best in the state and qualify them to be accepted by any educational institution they wish to attend.

Talmadge C. Jones

Harbor Road

Suffolk Heed those flashing lights on school buses

I'm angry again. Just as last year, I see cars that pass school buses while the buses have their red lights flashing, for students to board the bus.

Twice in one morning recently, two vehicles passed the bus my son rides, while the lights were flashing. They were in such a hurry.

Although I had the right-of-way, a driver pulled in front of me and then decided to pass the bus while it was stopped to pick up a student.

The bus driver also had her left signal light on to turn.

The driver still disregarded these signals.

He put himself and all those people on the bus in harm's way.

What does it take for drivers to heed those flashing lights on the bus? I hope it won't be anyone's getting hurt.

There are not many mornings that I take my son to meet the bus that at least one or two people do not just have to pass the bus while the lights are flashing, even when the solid line on the road is on their side.

Please, drivers, be more careful, and watch out for all the children.

K. Martin

King's Highway

Suffolk A working experiment that fosters citizenship

Over the past several months, the partnership of WVEC, WHRO, LNC and The Virginian-Pilot conducted an experiment, ``Your Voice, Your Vote.''

As a participant on the citizens' panel, I wish to express my appreciation to the partnership for providing this forum for ordinary citizens to address issues the citizens were concerned about, and to have an open and candid conversation with the two candidates for governor.

It was a pleasure to participate in the discussions where a broad spectrum of ideas and concepts were debated. It is through these types of candid discussions that today's visions become the reality of tomorrow. I hope the partnership continues this type of forum where the ordinary citizen can contribute to the political process.

Once again, I thank the partnership for providing the forum.

James Koziana

Kings Highway

Suffolk Thanks, and door's open for those in 76th District

I would like to thank everyone who gave so generously of their time and financial resources to ensure that my campaign for the House of Delegates was successful.

Because of your support, we were able to carry our positive message of better schools, lower taxes and safer communities to the voters of the 76th District. It would not have been possible without the efforts of so many.

Today, I am busy planning for the upcoming session of the General Assembly. I hope that you will keep me informed of your concerns and ideas. I know that together we will make a brighter future for Virginia.

Again, I deeply appreciate your support, and my door will always be open to the citizens of the 76th District. If there is anything I can do for you, please feel free to call me at (757) 483-6242.

S. Chris Jones

Suffolk A `vote of confidence' a pledge of excellence

First, let me express my sincere appreciation for your trust in re-electing me as your sheriff on Nov. 4. Your overwhelming 80 percent vote of confidence sends a strong message concerning what qualifications you want in your sheriff.

On behalf of the employees of the Suffolk Sheriff's Office, I pledge to you a continuation of our efforts of achieving excellence in maintaining those standards and providing service to you.

Secondly, I would like to thank my finance committee for the hard work and efforts made in raising funds for my re-election campaign and those citizens who made contributions.

Next, I would like to thank my family, friends and associates for the support and understanding, the necessary long hours, expenses and efforts that must be sacrificed in order to run a successful campaign. The many calls, cards and letters of congratulations were greatly appreciated.

Finally, to those citizens who did not support my re-election campaign, I sincerely appreciate your efforts in going to the polls and casting your vote. I hope that during the next four years I will have the opportunity to earn your support for the next election.

If I may be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Raleigh H. Isaacs Sr.

Sheriff

City of Suffolk J.V sports

I play field hockey for Hickory High School. I would like to say that I feel that the article ``Should terrible varsity teams be disbanded?'' (The Clipper, Oct. 12) was disgraceful. The writers should not have used the name of any team as an example.

I agree that junior varsity programs should be offered in all sports and not just the sports that bring in the most money.

Every team should have an opportunity to build its program. At Hickory, we had 50 girls try out for field hockey, but only 28 girls the team. That means at least 22 girls could be improving their skills on a junior varsity team.

The article should have discussed how teams could improve, not on what teams need improvement. You should remember that these are high school teams, not professionals. The athletes play to learn and have fun. Yes, winning is fun, but there are more ways to win than just scoring the most points. If you achieve your personal and team goals you are a winner.

Our game with Indian River is one I will never forget - not just because we won, but because of the players' sportsmanship and enthusiasm on the field. I have never seen a team with such enthusiasm when they made a good save or got a short corner. Indian River had a never-say-die attitude, which I will always remember.

The next time you write an article on varsity sports, please write it about all varsity sports, not just teams you feel should be disbanded.

I hope many parents and students agree with my views. Those who do can phone or write local school athletic directors and principals to encourage them to have J.V. programs in all sports. If we work as a team, we can accomplish what my coach always says: ``T.E.A.M.: Together Everyone Achieves More.''

This will send kids the correct message: ``Yes, we want you to participate and have fun. We want you to explore your interest in sports, whatever that may be.''

Margie Baker

Weatherby Court

Chesapeake

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