ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, January 7, 1996 TAG: 9601050028
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: F-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: TERRI LANGFORD
AS A PARENT and an advocate for children, I was disturbed to read the bond-referendum news article (Jan. 1, ``School support mixed''). I believe the main point was overlooked. This isn't a bond referendum for a new Cave Spring High School, but a referendum for education, and it needs to be looked at as such.
The article stated that many Vinton area schools are almost at capacity. If you look at Cave Spring, Green Valley, Penn Forest and Oak Grove elementary schools, you'll find they aren't almost at capacity but have reached or are over capacity. These are feeder schools into Cave Spring High, which gives you an idea of what the future holds.
It was also stated that other areas are only getting a ``dab'' for education. But if you look at the overall projects being done throughout Roanoke County, a truer picture is revealed. Many of the projects are being funded through different avenues. Unfortunately, we've let the Cave Spring High issue continue for so long that it will be impossible to fund without a bond referendum.
It was also stated that possibly there were other alternatives to building a new high school. A six-month, in-depth study was done by the Moseley-McClintock group (a top designer of schools, and one of the most respected and recognized groups in Virginia). The goal of this study, which involved staff, parents, retired people, businesses and many others, was to come up with the best possible solution to a dilemma. I believe such a study needs to be done throughout the entire county school system. I also believe Cave Spring High would still be the top-priority of needed educational facilities in Roanoke County.
Clearly, every school throughout the county has needs that are very important. But let me remind you of a few key points as you ponder whether Southwest County gets all the ``big new stuff.''
Cave Spring High is the only high school in the county and in the area, and one of only 10 in Virginia, that doesn't have a ninth grade. Does this make very much of a difference? Yes. Colleges look at grades, extracurricular activities, and club and sports participation from grades nine through 12. Our ninth graders feel displaced, and they don't belong in junior high. Yet they're not part of the high school either. Their friends from other areas are in high school, and they have to say they're in junior high. It doesn't seem important until you're the one being kidded.
Cave Spring Junior High is the only county school still not air-conditioned. When Roanoke County looks at an alternative school calendar, Cave Spring Junior will have to be excluded because of conditions. And lack of comfort isn't the only disadvantage students are faced with. They also contend with inadequate electrical capabilities, which hinder learning. To those who think all the funds go to one area, I invite you to walk through our hallways and see what the true situation is.
I don't see this bond referendum and getting a new Cave Spring High as an ending, but as a beginning. It's a beginning to letting county representatives know that education and learning environments in all areas of the county are important to us. A yes vote is a first step toward continuing the excellent educational opportunities throughout Roanoke County. A no vote is simply a cut to education and its importance.
Terri Langford is president of the Penn Forest Elementary School Parent-Teacher Association.
LENGTH: Medium: 65 linesby CNB