on to college. But before examining possible connections between

on to college. But before examining possible connections between the two figures, we suggest a look at family incomes in Rappahannock. How many parents can afford to finance four years of higher education?

We also suggest a look at the course offerings at RCHS. Fifteen years ago, Arlington County public schools offered German, Russian, Latin, five years of Spanish, five years of French, advanced placement math, advanced placement science, advanced placement history and art-English seminars as part of a varied and extensive curriculum. We think it’s reasonable to assume the same variety of courses is offered in 1978.

Then, on the other hand, there’s Rappahannock just over the line for the minimum of courses required by the state.

Using common sense, it’s reasonable to assume that a graduating senior from Arlington schools with a “B” average in college prep courses will have an edge over a senior at RCHS with the same average. When it’s time for institutions of higher learning to pick and choose an incoming freshman class, who’s going to get the nod?

And if a youngster knows there’s no college in his or het future, many feel “Why finish school?” If alternative education with trade courses and job training was provided, some of our drop-outs might stay in. But good alternative education programs cost money.

As far as median educational attainment, Masterson gave the figures for the U.S. at 12.2 years, the state of Virginia at 11.7 years and Rappahannock County at 8.6 years. He neglected to provide similar statistics on the other four counties in the planning district.

Masterson reported that hq’d secured his statistics from the planning district commission. Contacted Wednesday morning, PD9’s executive director had no knowledge of the information referred to by Masterson. He noted, however, that a regional economic analysis released by PD9 last year gave the educational attainment levels for the entire planning district as an average of 10.3 years with Rappahannock at 9.0 years.

In raising children, most parents will agree that consistency is of paramount importance. Consistency is also critical in an educational program. How can our schools provide consistency in education when faced with a 33.3 percent turnover rate in teachers last year?

Other counties also suffer from a percentage of experienced teachers leaving. The difference, however, is that the turnover rate in Rappahannock skyrockets far beyond anything experienced in neighboring jurisdictions.

And why are teachers leaving in droves? Could it be because Rappahannock is one of only four divisions in the state that offers no fringe benefits? Could it be because teachers' salaries here are below those of surrounding school systems? Could it be because teachers resent being categorized as “babysitters” when they devote long hours to extra curricular duties at pay supplements that often breakdown to less than 25 cents per hour? Mr. Masterson stated on Tuesday that quality is the missing link in Rappahannock’s educational program. We disagree. But if he’s right, if quality has disappeared from our county school system, we’d like to remind him of one thing—you get what you pay for.