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U.S. flags run short at schools Mandated salute shows need By VICKI GUARINO Some school administrators are rummaging through storage rooms, and others are collecting donations to meet demands of a new state education law. With 29,000 public school students in Jackson County now required to recite the pledge of allegiance to the United States flag, school officials are scurrying to fly the colors in every classroom. The Medford school district, for instance, has found itself 150 flags short. The district probably has sufficient banners bundled in storage, Superintendent Steve Wisely said Wednesday, so the biggest job in complying with the law is raising the flags in each room. Until the job is done, schools are coming up with temporary alternatives. At North Medford High School, where some rooms have flags but all rooms have televisions, an image of Old Glory is being broadcast throughout the campus on a closed-circuit system. Students are saluting a televised flag. The 1999 Legislature made the flag salute mandatory. Schools must set aside the time at least once a week for the pledge. Students may decline to participate, but must be quiet and respectful during the pledge. Lawmakers acted out of concern that concepts of duty, patriotism and citizenship were being lost in the rush to finish assignments and pass tests. The measure was proposed by the American Legion and went into effect last month. Lawmakers didn't prepare for potential problems of getting the flags to students. Of course, not everyone has a problem. Central Point schools have plenty of classroom flags to accommodate the law, says Superintendent Candy Manary. Most of Medford's flag shortages are in the middle and high schools, reflecting a long-standing district policy. For years, elementary students began each school day with the flag salute, but secondary students said the pledge only at assemblies and other large events. Although Wisely has calculated that Medford has enough flags to go around, he said the Medford Elks have offered assistance. Elks have offered to help the district buy whatever flags it might need. Classroom flags cost about $5. "It's money well spent," Wisely said. Although the Medford district might not have to take up the Elks' offer, the Rogue River School District is relying on local community groups for help. The district found it needed 26 flags when the law went into effect. Superintendent Charles Hellman said the Rogue River Women's Republic Committee is donating five classroom flags needed at Evans Valley Elementary School and is giving a state flag to Rogue River High School. The Veterans of Foreign Wars is helping Rogue River Middle School obtain 10 classroom flags and Rogue River Elementary School obtain state and U.S. flags for outdoor display. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA