In The Area...

Compiled by Kevin Loker, ­News Editor, from reports and ABC 7 News

Local Superintendent to Teach at Mason

A local superintendent will soon join faculty for the College of Education and Human Development at Mason.

Robert G. Smith, who announced his retirement from his current position as superintendent of Arlington Public Schools at the start of the 2008-09 school year, will join Mason faculty as an associate professor of education. He will teach in the education leadership program.

The CEHD program is designed to prepare candidates for leadership and management positions across educational settings, focusing on the complexities of change in schools, communities and organizations.
Smith’s retirement comes after 44 years as an education in Maryland, Texas and Virginia. He has served as superintendent for the past 12 years

McAuliffe Speaks on Virginia’s Film Industry

Gubernatorial Candidate Terry McAuliffe spoke at Mason last week to discuss his Business Plan for Virginia, which focuses on creating jobs across the Commonwealth, and his support for Virginia’s film industry. By increasing taxes on film production, creating a highly-trained industry workforce and ensuring state agency involvement, McAuliffe says he pledges to make Virginia a top destination for the film industry.

McAuliffe pointed to John Adams, the HBO miniseries produced in Virginia, that the state placed $1 million in total investment, saying the project was responsible for 3500 jobs and $80 million in direct spending.

At the discussion, McAuliffe called for the creation of a Virginia Filmmaker’s Program that would offer cash grants to support Virginia independent film productions and invest in film programs, like the program at Mason.

Proposed Tax, Fee Hikes Draw Protest

Fairfax County residents protested proposed tax hikes at a rally last Monday night outside the Fairfax County Government Center.
The county, which anticipates a $648 million shortfall for the 2010 fiscal year, expects revenue to drop by ten percent because of a nearly 10 percent fall in property values.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recently proposed boosting taxes to close the budget gap, including a $33 vehicle registration fee and a 12 cent increase per dollar in real estate taxes.