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Letter To The Editor
OUR SCHOOLS AND
LOCAL GOVERNMENT Except for four counties, the organization of the public school system in Virginia is without any rhyme or reason. In effect for more than fifty years, it was designed, in 1902, to prevent any control of the schools by the people. . Arlington alone has an elected school board; a system which the aroused taxpayers of that county demanded and received by special legislation. Henrico, Warwick and Albemarle, by adopting a reformed system of local government, threw over the anticipated laws which were delil>erately designed to take control of the funds away from the people.
In 96 counties the barrier remains and the taxpayers have no contrrol over the funds which they pay for their schools. In Fairfax County, for instance, 94% of all public funds are expended by appointed officials over whom the voters have no control -whatever.Informed
taxpayers have, for many years, suffered an increasing feeling of frustration and futility. The smoldering resentment of the people has increased with the knowledge that their tax money was not being spent for the things which wouITdo the greatest good for the greatest number. Let’s take a look—a hard look—at how our system operates.
First, the General Assembly appoints the judges of the circuit courts. Each circuit consists of a number of counties. The judges are chosen from the politically deserving; with this factor—rather than their professional competence—the criteria. Moreover, the fudges salary is too low to attract the best lawyers ir many cases.
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