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

DATE: TUESDAY, June 13, 1995                   TAG: 9506130085
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED ...

Again, Frank Tota must redo his report - if he wants his $35,000.

The first time, Chairman Nelson Harris of the Roanoke School Board did not like the handwritten form of the former superintendent's report on funding sources for magnet schools.

He returned it to Tota, who is now superintendent in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.

Tota typed the document, but it didn't pass muster.

This time, board members did not like the report's content. They have asked Tota to do further research on the issue and provide more details on possible sources of funds for the magnet schools after federal grants run out.

"We have requested additional information," Harris said Monday.

." Harris said Monday.

The report was required under Tota's controversial seven-year, early retirement contract, which called for him to perform professional services of an advisory nature for 20 days a year for $35,000.

Tota did not return phone calls Monday to comment on the board's decision.

The fee is based on 35 percent of Tota's salary when he retired in 1993.

The city school system has an early retirement program for teachers and administrators, but the benefits are less than Tota's contract.

Teachers and administrators who take early retirement can receive 20 percent of their salary for five years - in addition to their retirement pay - in exchange for working 20 days a year. The early retirees are asked to work on a variety of tasks, such as helping develop curriculum guides and training younger teachers.

Under Tota's contract, he must spend at least 12 days a year in Roanoke. Eight days can be spent outside Roanoke, but they cannot be in his New York office.