Evening star., 1950-12-10
Arlington Seeks
u. Of Va. Study
OF School Costs
Boord Proposes
Widening Of Present
County Survey


struction costs by the University
Of Virginia Bureau Of Public Ad-
ministration was proposed yester-
day by the county school board.
Noting that there has been "a
great deal of confusion and dis
agreemnt in regard i. u. the school
construction program" the school
board said it believed "this situa-
ton requires study by qualified
and impartial agency with un-
questioned integrity"
The school board asked that the
County Board cooperate in ar
ranging to have the survey made
by the bureau. which is now
studying financial matters in the
county not pertaining to schools.
School officials said. however, it
kas felt the bureau could assemble
facts about the school construc-
ton program in conjunction with
IT'S survey of other county matters.
provided this meets with the ap-
proval of the Fiscal Affairs Com
mittee of the County Board.
Private Firm Suggested.
In case the survey cannot be
done by the bureau. school board
members indicated they may en-
ploy a private firm for the job.
The school board asked that the
bureaus study include the follow
ing:
/. A financial analysis of the
expenditures of funds available to
the school board since January /.
1948, for school construction. in
Guiding bond issues of $1,776,0
and $4.750.000, and a grant Of
S645.00 from the State.
2. An analytical study of the
comparative cost of new school
facilities built since 1945 in Ar
lington and in comparable COM
munities in Virginia and other
nearby areas.
8. A study of the cost and value
of specific new features in schools,
such as f1uorescent lighting.
4. An analysis of the scope of
Arlington'S future school problems
and Of Arlington's present and
future financial resources to meet
costs of school construction and
operations.
Confidence Sought.
Another move of the school
board to win public confidence in
the school construction program is
nearing fulflllment. School board
members disclosed that 18 county
residents, mostly businessmen,
have been asked to serve on con-
struction committee which viii 60
over plans for all new schools and
additions. Names of the committee
members are to be announced in a
few days after they notify school
officials whether they will serve.
Arlington's proposed school con-
struction program has been stalled
. since residents defeated a pro-
posed $75 million bond issue No
vember 7. Both sides agreed that
charges of extravaganza in school
buildings was the principal cause
, of the bond issues defeat.
To meet State requirements for
a new ALLEGATION from the Gov,
Battle fund, the school board yes
terday approved a 4-year con-
struction program. The first two
years of the program include the
buildings that the school board
proposed to erect with the de-
feated bond issue.
The last two years of the pro-
gram include additions at York
| town. jefferson. Swanson and
Glencarlyn and new schools in the
North Glebe. West Central and
Military road areas of the county.
The entire 4-year program would
accommodate approximately 5000
additional students in the school
system, and is expected to cost in
the neighborhood of $115 million.
Plans to be Prepared.
The school board voted to en-
ploy an architect to prepare plans
for renovating the old Cherrydale
School, which would provide three
additional classrooms next fall.
The old school has been used for
recreation purposes for number
of years since the newer Cherry
dale School was built. Schools
Supt. William A. Early reported
that the building was structurally
sound, but needed some fire.
proofing and other changes.
Mr.. Early was authorized to
consult with an architect about
converting part of the school
boards newly-acquired warehouse
into shops for Washington-Lee
High School, thus relieving some
shop space in the high school
for regular classrooms. The
warehouse is located neak. the
high school.
The school board certified Ar
lington's pupil enrolment as
1896 for State ALLEGATION pur-
poses. In addition. there are some
5-year-old students who bring the
total enrolment to approximately
1876 which school officials said
represented an increase of more
than 600 since school began last
fall.
Mrs. Edmund Campbell offered
her resignation as school board
chairman effective the end of this
month, when her one-year term
as head of the board is due to
end. Colin Macpherson. vice
chairman. was elected as success
sor and DR.. E. R. Draheim was
named the new vice chairman.