Fight Over Vet's School Funding Grows

Supporters of Franklin County's Scotland School for Veteran's Children say they're doing everything they can to fight Governor Rendell's decision to close the institution. The controversial funding cut was the focus of a General Assembly hearing yesterday where those defending the Governor’s decision said the school's standardized test scores and curriculum don't meet state standards. Deputy Education Secretary Diana Castelbuono said, “It is neither fiscally responsible nor educationally beneficial to continue the operation of a school that costs nearly four times the state average, per student, yet posts only middling academic results.” The hearing was packed with Scotland School alumni and supporters who paraded up to the microphone to testify. Among them was Angelo Adams, who went on to West Point after graduating from the school in 1996. He says the institution produces leaders. He said, “We have heard the figures and statistics that the critics like to use for Scotland. While they are easy to state, it takes more than numbers to understand the impact that Scotland has on the state.” The supporters burst into applause with every positive comment. The Administration says closing down the school will save 10.5 million dollars.