Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 2, 1994 TAG: 9403020086
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The issue arose during the board's recent interviews with applicants for the superintendent's post. At least one unidentified applicant withdrew because of the county's switch to an elected board.
Another applicant, Kenneth Walker, superintendent of the Halifax-South Boston school system, also was concerned about the uncertain status of current board members.
Walker said he did not want to get into a situation where he soon might have to work with a board that did not hire him.
Officially, Walker withdrew from consideration because he decided to remain in South Boston, but he said the switch to an elected board was a factor.
Within two years, Roanoke County could have an entirely new school board. All of the eight finalists for the superintendent's post were told about the pending change in the method of selecting the board.
"To be fair with them, we thought we should tell them that there could be a new board soon," said Barbara "Bootie" Chewning, the board member from the Vinton District for 12 years.
Four of the finalists, including Deanna Gordon, the board's eventual choice, came from within the county school system and knew about the change. But those from out of state and elsewhere in Virginia did not.
Chairman Frank Thomas said Monday that the finalists were asked how they felt about working for an elected board. "Most of those from inside the state said they would rather have an appointed board," he said.
Thomas said he learned through contacts at the Virginia School Boards Association that some potential candidates for the county post did not apply because of the switch.
Chewning said she believes that Gordon, who will succeed Bayes Wilson in July, has the experience and skills to work with whoever is on the school board.
Vice Chairman Maurice "Buck" Mitchell said Gordon's knowledge of the county and the school system will be beneficial if several new board members are elected. "She knows what is going on in the county and the Roanoke Valley," Mitchell said, "and that will be a plus for her."
County voters approved the change to an elected School Board last fall by a 2-to-1 margin.
The Vinton, Hollins and Windsor Hills board seats will be on the ballot in November.
Chewning said she is leaning against running, but she has not made a decision. "I would like to stay on with Deanna for another year or so," Chewning said, "but I am not a politician, and I have mixed emotions about it.
"Maybe the people want new blood on the board. If I am drafted, I might run. But otherwise, I don't know."
Jerry Canada, who has represented the Hollins District for almost two years, is expected to run for his seat.
Charlsie Pafford, the Windsor Hills representative, could not be reached for comment.
Under the staggered plan for electing board members, the seats of Thomas and Mitchell will not be on the ballot until November 1995.
Mitchell, who represents the Cave Spring District, said he opposes elected school boards and will not run. "I just don't think it is the best thing for Roanoke County," he said. "It might be OK in some localities, but I don't think we need it."
Thomas, who indicated last year he might not run, said Monday it was too early for him to make a decision.
"That's too far down the road for me to decide," said Thomas, who represents the Catawba District.
Thomas said he was worried that the coming election could be jeopardized, because the U.S. Justice Department may not approve the plan in time for it to be on the ballot.
Because of the federal Voting Rights Act, Virginia localities must obtain federal approval for any changes in voting procedures.
The county expects to get the General Assembly to approve a change in its charter to permit an elected board. But it could face a tight schedule in getting Justice Department approval in time for candidates to file by the June 15 deadline.
The Justice Department has 60 days to make a decision. If it has questions, it may delay for another 60 days.
by CNB