2. 2. including Changes in funding Federal educational programs, Title I and Impact Aid (P.L.874) should be phased in and phased out. We see this as a modification of the "save harmless" provisions. We do agree that such provisions should extend to the local level rather than just the state level. Massive immediate cuts or increases make adequate planning difficult and work undue hardships on Boards, and on the children in the affected schools. We recognize that no formula for distribution of funds is perfect, and that changes will be required from time to time. However, we plead that these not be abrupt. Where there should be a large increase in the number of students eligible for Impact Aid funds, we feel this calls for an immediate increase, rather than phasing in. Since so few strings are attached to this program, the School Board can use it where the need is greatest. Certainly, if a system experienced a large increase in the number of students, its need would be immediate. Thank you for your consideration of these points, in addition We to those presented by Mrs. Reimers and Mr. Steinhilber. Senator PELL. The next witness will be Mr. Daniel B. Taylor, superintendent of schools, State of West Virginia, and representing the Council of Chief State School Officers Association. I would ask that there be included a very warm introduction by Senator Randolph who regrets that he cannot be here. He admires your work very much indeed. PREPARED STATEMENT OF JENNINGS RANDOLPH, A U.S. SENATOR FROM THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA Mr. Chairman, I regret that I am unable to attend today's opening hearing on categorical programs for Federal aid education because of a previous commitment out of the city. Today the subcommittee will receive testimony from Daniel B. Taylor, State superintendent of schools from West Virginia. I particularly regret not being present for Mr. Taylor's testimony. I was a member of the Education Subcommittee during the decade of the 1960's when many of the programs that will be discussed during these hearings were created. That was a period of intense study and change in the direction of education in this country. Through legislation conceived, drafted, and finalized in this subcommittee, the direction of education was changed toward providing equal educational opportunities for all citizens. Our mandate as we begin these hearings is just as great as during the years when these programs were originated. Today the subcommittee begins an intense reevaluation of the Federal role in the education of our young people. We will closely examine the present structure of Federal aid to determine how or where it is failing and how best to improve it. The progress that we have made over the last 10 years in education in this country has been great. The legislation of the 1960's was a primary force behind this progress. I am confident that the present structure can still accomplish our education goals, but we must find ways to alter the structure to meet the ever-changing and expanding needs of our communities and its citizens. Mr. Taylor's testimony will be of great interest and value to the subcommittee during our study. His knowledge of education and experience in administration is respected throughout our State. I would like to welcome Mr. Taylor to the subcommittee. I look forward to carefully studying his testimony when I return to Washington. STATEMENT OF DANIEL B. TAYLOR, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA, REPRESENTING THE COUNCIL OF CHIEF STATE SCHOOL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION Mr. TAYLOR. I am Daniel B. Taylor, superintendent of West Virginia Schools, representing the Council of Chief State School Officers and all State superintendents and commissioners of education. I am accomplanied by Dr. Ray Peterson, director of Federal Liaison for the Council of Chief State School Officers. I understand that you want to confine the discussion today primarily to categorical programs. However, I am sure you fully appreciate that in order to do that it is necessary to touch on other programs as well. I have a prepared statement of some considerable length which I will not read. If I may, I would like to skip through, hitting some of the highlights as briefly as possible and hopefully at the conclusion there may be some questions, Senator Pell. [The statement referred to follows:] 97-457 73 pt. 4-6 |