Quick hits: School wants a new name, Parkway needs help

Arts school wants a new name
"The N.C. School of the Arts wants a name change.

"The residential arts school in Winston-Salem, a member of the UNC system, wants to be known as the University of North Carolina School of the Arts," said the News & Observer.

"The school, which trains artists for careers in filmmaking, music, dance, design and production and drama, is often confused with magnet schools, and some people think it is a high school, school officials say. Its students range from middle school to graduate school level.

"The name change, which will be considered in May by the UNC system Board of Governors, would change nothing about the way the school operates or how it is funded.

"The last UNC system campus to change its name was UNC-Pembroke several years ago, formerly Pembroke State University. ..."

Parkway needs funds, staff
"Between pavement and people, managing the Blue Ridge Parkway can be a juggling act, according to Superintendent Philip Francis. What the federal government gives, the forces of nature can take away.

"With the official opening today of the new $9 million Blue Ridge Parkway Destination Center, the nation’s most-visited national park unit will have its most sophisticated visitors center, complete with auditorium, film, interactive exhibits and information to guide the more than 20 million visitors who use the parkway each year," says the Asheville Citizen-Times.

"But away from the gleaming new center, the parkway is showing signs of age and neglect, problems exacerbated by tight budgets and slim staff.

" 'Taking care of a mountain road is a challenge, with the moisture, the freezing and thawing and the laws of gravity constantly at work,' Francis said. ..."