A task force studying whether Virginia needs separate schools in Hampton and Staunton for deaf, blind and multi-disabled students has not reached an agreement on a proposal.

But members agreed to meet later this month to try one more time.

The panel planned to issue a recommendation after an all-day meeting Thursday.

When members couldn't reach an agreement, they canceled a series of public hearings scheduled to present their decision.

The task force includes two state senators, parents of students from both schools, and education officials. The members are split over two options.

One would see the Hampton and Staunton schools closed, and a new state-of-the-art school built at a location more centrally located.

The other option is keeping both schools open because each serves a different population.

The Staunton school handles deaf or blind students. The Hampton school handles children with additional handicaps, such as mental retardation or cerebral palsy. Both schools would need to be modernized and downsized, however.

(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)