Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 22, 1995 TAG: 9504240017
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
As part of his early retirement consulting contract, Tota has spent 20 days this year providing consultant services.
When Tota retired two years ago, the board approved a controversial seven-year contract that called for him to perform professional services of an advisory or consultative nature for 20 days a year for $35,000.
The former superintendent, who was in Roanoke this week completing his obligation for this year, gave the School Board a written report on his work.
The board will decide whether Tota, now superintendent in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., has met the requirements to receive his $35,000 payment.
Marilyn Curtis, board vice chairman, said Tota's research and analysis could be helpful as the city seeks more federal grants for magnet schools.
Tota helped win $17 million in magnet grants during his 12 years as superintendent in Roanoke.
Roanoke also received a $3.5 million magnet grant last year during Wayne Harris' first year as superintendent.
Magnet schools offer specialty classes, such as ballet or flying lessons, that are designed to attract white students to predominantly black schools as part of a federal program to reduce racial isolation.
Ten Roanoke schools have magnet programs and plans are being developed to add two more.
Under the consulting contract, which extends until 2000, Tota must work 20 days each year and must spend at least 12 days a year in Roanoke.
Eight days can be spent outside Roanoke, but they cannot be in his office in Dobbs Ferry.
If Tota fails to provide 20 days of service a year, he is compensated for the number of days he works.
The $35,000 annual payment is based on 35 percent of Tota's $100,000 salary when he left Roanoke. The early retirement deal, negotiated in 1989, came into question in 1993 when Tota announced he had taken the Dobbs Ferry post. Former School Board Chairman James Turner said Tota did not have to work to receive the consulting fee, but other board members demanded that he perform services for the money.
by CNB