Metro

THE DISTRICT

Cropp Would Earmark Funds for Schools

D.C. Council Chairman Linda W. Cropp (D) said she plans to introduce legislation today to earmark a portion of future tax revenue to fund school renovations.

Cropp said her plan would be fiscally prudent and would not reduce funding for other programs and city priorities. Council member Adrian M. Fenty (D-Ward 4) introduced a plan last week to use lottery revenue to fund $1 billion worth of bonds for school repairs.

Increased borrowing could harm the city's credit rating, Cropp said yesterday.

Cropp's bill would also require the city's school system to dispose of underutilized buildings, consolidate facilities and encourage libraries and recreation centers to share space in underused schools.

New Reading, Math Standards Approved

The D.C. Board of Education yesterday approved new learning standards for reading and math in the city's public schools, as recommended by Superintendent Clifford B. Janey.

The standards, adapted from those used in Massachusetts, will be introduced in the fall. Those standards will be aligned with new curricula and a new student assessment to be introduced during the 2005-06 school year, said Meria Carstarphen, chief accountability officer.

"This means everything from the curricula to textbook adoption and assessment must be based on and grow out of high-quality standards," Carstarphen said. "As a result, staff will know what is expected of them and we can hold them accountable for their work."

Board members directed Janey to devise a plan in 30 to 60 days on how the standards will be implemented.

VIRGINIA

Fauquier Boy, 9, Dies of Fire Injuries

A 9-year-old Fauquier County boy died Friday night of injuries suffered in a house fire that killed his mother, authorities said.

Adam McGuiney died about 10:30 p.m. at Washington Hospital Center, said Philip T. Myer, chief of the Fauquier County Department of Fire and Rescue Services. Stephanie McGuiney, 37, died earlier that day at Fauquier Hospital. Three other family members suffered minor injuries.