Va. Senate

Va. Senate

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cal composite index,” a figure which is supposed to reflect the locality’s wealth.

Because the state’s estimate of the cost of funding schools is considerably less than most localities spend on schools, there remains a' large disparity between the wealthiest and poorest school districts in such measures as the amount spent per pupil, the average teacher’s salary, and the number of course offerings.

Sen. Michie said, “I favor biting the bullet and doing what needs to be done tP address the issue of disparity.” He said he would oppose cutting funding for the wealthiest counties and would favor a tax increase to raise more funds for poorer localities. He suggested an increase to the top income tax bracket as the best solution to the problem.

Mr. Robb said he favors a, voucher system. Under this system each student would be entitled to a voucher which could be used at any accredited school, public or private, his parent chose. Mr. Robb estimated that the voucher could be under $3,000 per student. “It shouldn’t .cost that much to educate a student,” Mr. Robb said. He said he expected savings to come in the forih of reducing the “incredible bureaucracy in Richmond.” Under Mr. Robb’s proposal the only function of the State Department of Education would be accrediting schools.

Few schools in Virginia, public or private, cost less than $3,000 per student. This year Rappahannock is spending more than $4,600 per student for its public schools. Tuition at Wakefield Country Day School is $4,500 to $4,750 depending on grade per student and the school supplements this with extensive fund raising.

Mr. Robb said he would favor allowing localities to have elected

ROGER

CORDANI

FOR SHERIFF OF

RAPPAHANNOCK

COUNTV

„ Deadline for Voter

8egTstration~OctODer 5th

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Keith Lamm - Treasurer.