Last time Randolph County passed a school levy, consumers were presented with the first Apple Macintosh, Michael Jackson won a Grammy for album of the year, the average price of gasoline was $1.10, the United States was experiencing a recession and Ronald Reagan was president. It was 1984.

Since then, boards of education have made many such attempts. Not only were they all turned down, some were met with stiff opposition.

Again the school system is facing a need for funds to keep all county schools in operation and doesn't see where the money will come from in the future without extra taxpayer dollars. In fact, Superintendent of Schools Dr. James Phares has said at least twice that there's a possibility that some Elkins schools could be closed. Either a levy or a bond could be posed during the May Primary.

This time, however, the Board of Education is taking a new approach in hopes of appealing to voters. On Monday, the board approved to hire The Phillips Group to conduct a telephone survey of 400 people registered to vote in Randolph County and then follow up with three focus group sessions. The total cost is $32,350 - $20,650 for the survey and $11,700 for the sessions. The board voted on the proposal in two separate measures and not all members were in favor of either. Each measure passed 3-2, with board members Bruce Haddix and Harvey Taylor casting the dissenting votes.

During the discussion, both sides made good points and some of those same opinions are being echoed throughout the community. Haddix questioned whether taxpayers would think the school system needs a levy if it spends such a sum of money on "phone conversations." Board President Ed Tyre said there's a need to "gauge the public" and the cost would be well worth it if the survey provides "the answers we are looking for."

You can't blame the board for wanting to present a levy or bond - it's the state Office of Education Performance Audits that's recommending it be tried. The board thinks it's a good idea, too. This board and the ones before it have often identified needs for improvements in the school system, finding the money to pay for them has always been the problem.

Considering the history of previous levy attempts, it's also hard to criticize the board for seeking a new avenue to secure passage of such a measure. The method The Phillips Group is employing has had a positive outcome in Mineral and Greenbrier counties. Plus, the board has the money to pay for the work in its professional services budget.

Still, we wonder how voters will view this choice and the cost of information gathering. In the end it is up to the public of whether the levy makes a comeback.