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THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 1995 <br />vested in the Secretary of Natural Resources. <br /> <br />In response to a question by Senator Goode, Chairman Matthews stated <br />the Virginia School Board Association's opposition to "Charter" schools <br />was partially due to the perception that such schools would end up <br />being publicly-funded. but privately-run schools. Mr. Lamm said that if <br />it is desirable for Charter schools to be relieved from certain State <br />mandates, why is it not desirable to relieve all schools from such <br />mandates? Mr. Shackleford stated that in other states, the experience <br />with such schools is that local school boards are ultimately <br />responsible for them, but have little control over their operations. <br /> <br />Chairman Matthews asked that local school boards be given the authority <br />to begin the school year prior to Labor Day. Senator Goode said the <br />Virginia Travel Council strongly opposes this and that a bill allowing <br />for opening prior to Labor Day had been defeated four times in the 1994 <br />General Assembly. <br /> <br />In a discussion of "opt-in", "opt-out" proposals, Chairman Matthews <br />opposed the requirement that all students be required to either opt-in <br />or opt-out of certain programs of study, such as Family Life Education. <br />Ms. Matthews opposed the requirement due to the expanded paperwork <br />which such a change would require of teachers. Delegate Reynolds <br />discussed this issue at length, supporting the proposal because of the <br />stigma that can be placed on students if their parents are forced to <br />"opt-out". <br /> <br />Mayor Adams asked that urban cities with populations under 50,000 be <br />given an annual allocation of Housing and Community Development funds <br /> <br /> <br />