Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 14, 1991 TAG: 9103150608
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: N-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Charles Stebbins
DATELINE: FINCASTLE LENGTH: Medium
Despite some fears that pupils would be captive audiences for messages some parents may object to, the Botetourt County School Board approved installation of the cost-free program during its March 6 meeting.
C.S. McClure, school superintendent, assured board members that he had heard of no objectionable material on the channel. Schools in many other localities have installed the program, he said, and school officials in other places have given it high praise.
The channel offers schools news and educational programs during the school day. Whittle Communications will provide televisions and other needed equipment at no cost to the school system.
The "catch" in the arrangement is that each 12-minute program includes two minutes of commercials.
But McClure said the commercials are non-objectionable and often include messages directing students toward proper behavior and away from corrupting influences.
In other action, the school board:
Changed its April 4 meeting to April 3 because of a Virginia School Board Association regional meeting in Radford.
Recognized John Shotwell, longtime James River High School basketball coach. McClure cited Shotwell's many honors by coaching associations, both state and national, and said he is a nominee for the national 1990 coach of the year award.
> Gave B.H. Griffith, assistant superintendent, authority to ask architectural firms for cost proposals on school additions at Breckinridge and Cloverdale elementary schools. He said he will not be seeking a firm construction bid but an estimate on a square footage cost.
by CNB