
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, May 6, 1995                   TAG: 9505080047
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: PULASKI                                 LENGTH: Short

2 CANDIDATES IN PULASKI SCHOOL BOARD RACE

The first candidates in what is expected to be a large field have completed requirements to run for seats on the Pulaski County School Board.

Rhea Saltz, a former member who served as the at-large representative from 1990 to 1993, was the earliest candidate to qualify. He is seeking the Robinson District seat, now held by Sybil Atkinson.

Lewis Pratt, who holds the Draper District seat on the board, completed his paperwork late Thursday to seek re-election.

Saltz had a tendency to raise more questions about issues before the board during his term than any other member. Now, Pratt holds that distinction.

After Saltz resigned from the board in 1993 with one year left on his term, the county Board of Supervisors eliminated the at-large seat reducing the School Board to five seats.

All of those seats will be up for election Nov. 7, because Pulaski County voters passed a referendum several years ago to switch from appointment to direct election of School Board members.

Saltz is a former Chesterfield County teacher and administrator who is now in the antique business.

Pratt, a Draper native and cattle farmer, graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in animal science. "I think I've learned a lot about the system," he said. "I do have a deep interest in our children and I feel like I still have something to contribute to them."

by CNB