November 17, 1997 Contact: Ann Marie Deer Owens (615) 322-2706 annmarie.owens@.vanderbilt.edu

VU study gauges public opinion on public schools, gambling and the Oilers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The public's perception of the quality of public schools in Nashville has deteriorated significantly during the past year, according to a new survey by Vanderbilt University Associate Professor of Political Science Richard A. Pride. "Last year 24 percent rated the public schools `A' or `B,' but this year only 17 percent do so," said Pride. Those surveyed were given the option of rating the Davidson County public schools as 'A,' 'B,' 'C,' 'D' or 'F.'

The random poll by telephone included 510 residents of Davidson County surveyed between Oct. 24 and Nov. 3.

In addition, the survey found that 76 percent of Nashvillians wanted the name of the Oilers professional football team changed to reflect better its new Tennessee home. Only 51 percent said they are glad that the Oilers have relocated to Nashville.

Seven in 10 Nashvillians polled said they want a state lottery so that gambling is both legal and widely available. However, they oppose casino gambling anywhere in Tennessee or the establishment of a racetrack near Nashville for the purpose of gambling on horse racing.

Pride has conducted the survey since the early 1980s to rate the performance of the local public schools. Pride's students in the class "Political Campaigns and the Electoral Process" collected the data. The data is made available to the media and government officials as a public service. Pride's survey is similar to a national one conducted annually by the Gallup Poll.

For a copy of the survey results, please contact Ann Marie Deer Owens at (615) 322-2706. Pride can be reached directly for comment at (615) 322-6229.

-VU-

Vanderbilt University is a private research university of approximately 5,800 undergraduates and 4,200 graduate and professional students. Founded in 1873, the University comprises 10 schools, a public policy institute, a distinguished medical center and The Freedom Forum First Amendment Center. Vanderbilt offers undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences, education and human development, engineering and music, and a full range of graduate and professional degrees.

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