Patrick,
You should be able to get a valve job done for less than $300.
You will need to get a head gasket set too so when they do the work, they have new valve seals. If you haven't changed the water pump and timing belt, I would suggest that at this time too.
Check out this ebay auction for water pump and timing belt: ebay

What was the special tool you needed for removing the head?

Have the shop doing the head work remove the spark plug.

Good luck and keep us posted on the progress.
Everet <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />