ADMINISTRATIVE

  Pursuant to 22.1-278.1, Code of Virginia, the Department of
  Education developed the "Safe Schools Audit, Checklists,
  Protocols and Procedures."  As of June 1, 1998, we received
  certification from most LEAs informing us that they had
  completed their school audits.  

  I encourage those divisions that still have not completed
  their audits to do so as soon as possible and forward their
  certification sheets to the department.  School divisions
  that feel they need additional assistance training their
  teams in how to conduct a school audit are invited to
  contact the department, and we will provide assistance as
  staff time permits.

  We are now in the process of reviewing and updating the
  safe school audit manual.  To obtain maximum input from
  school divisions, we have planned seminars across the
  state, as indicated on the attached registration sheet. We
  are inviting LEAs to participate by sending two to three
  representatives to these meetings; however, as the number
  of participants who can be accommodated is limited, we must
  have your response to the invitation no later than December
  28,1998.

  In order to obtain accurate and consistent information
  about what worked well, what was not helpful, and what
  needs to be added to the updated manual, I recommend that
  each division send representatives who actually
  participated in the safe school audit process.  If you need
  further information please call Marsha Hubbard at (804)
  225-2928, or Vijay Ramnarain at (804) 225-2035. Thank you.


  PDS/ya

  Enclosure