Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, July 23, 1993 TAG: 9307230203
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
Following his resignation last week, Saltz claimed Asbury had told board members during a meeting that their $900 annual stipend would be doubled.
Saltz said Wednesday that he didn't think a raise was appropriate and cited that as one of his reasons for quitting.
"I could be the guy who's out of step," he said.
Asbury said he spoke with two other board members this week and "their understanding was a lot different," but added he didn't want to debate the issue in the media.
By state law, Pulaski County School Board members can be paid up to $1,800 a year. The General Assembly sets the maximum figure for each of the state's school divisions.
Asbury recalled telling board members that they "deserved to be paid what they were authorized to be paid," but said no action was taken. He said Saltz was not the only one who questioned the need for a raise.
"This is not something the board brought up," Asbury said. "None of them [serves on the board] for the money."
Salaries for New River Valley town council, board of supervisors and school board members are "three and four times higher" than the $900 Pulaski County School Board members get each year, Asbury said. "They have not had a raise in 10 years."
He said County Attorney Tom McCarthy told him the School Board would have to vote on it before members could receive a raise.
Saltz is a former Chesterfield County school administrator and his wife is a teacher at Pulaski County High School. At her request, Chime Saltz will transfer from the high school to an elementary school art-resource teaching position this fall.
Saltz said Wednesday his wife's employment had nothing to do with his resignation.
"I just don't feel I've been contributing a whole lot," he said.
by CNB