Local governments in the Washington area have joined their state and federal counterparts in trying to ensure that computer systems operate properly on Jan. 1, 2000. In many cases, entire computer systems are being replaced, resulting in networks that not only are Y2K compliant but also have much greater capacity. Below is a summary of the effort in certain key areas, according to local and regional officials.

E D U C A T I O N D I S T R I C T Computer systems that track student attendance, scheduling, report cards, test scores, budgeting and other functions must be replaced at a projected cost of about $9 million. Work is just underway, scheduled for completion in June.

V I R G I N I A Arlington: Computers handling accounting, purchasing, cafeterias, supplies, teacher contracting, class scheduling, standardized tests and other functions need to be tested and repaired. Some work is now underway, with repair costs estimated at $2 million. Alexandria: The system is in the fifth year of a $15 million computer modernization program. Completion is projected for next spring, with all systems being Y2K compliant. Fairfax: The student information system for middle and high schools has already been replaced, while a new system for elementary schools is slated for replacement by September 1999. The total cost is $11 million for all schools. Replacement of the personnel/payroll computer system is expected to cost another $4 million. Work is also underway to repair computers that track teacher certification, enrollment projections and other support services, at a cost of $144,400. Loudoun: Student information, payroll and personnel systems need repairs, with completion targeted before September 1999 at a cost of $50,000, not including staff time. Prince William: Software for student information and payroll/personnel systems is already Y2K compliant, but hardware is scheduled for replacement by December at a cost of $3 million. M A R Y L A N D Howard: Systems managing student information, payroll and personnel, finances, bus transportation, food service and supplies need repairs, with testing slated to start in early 1999. County staff is doing the repairs, meaning the cost outside of personnel is about $25,000. Montgomery: The county spending $5.4 million to replace student information and payroll/personnel systems by October 1999. The financial system also needs repairs at a projected cost of $200,000, and about 1,700 personal computers will be replaced. Prince George's: Repair and testing of accounting and student information systems is anticipated by year's end. As many as 3,000 personal computers also will be replaced.