ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, April 17, 1997 TAG: 9704170045
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG
SOURCE: LISA APPLEGATE THE ROANOKE TIMES
Riner principal to fill job at Falling Branch Elementary.
Principal J.C. Callahan, who touched just about every student in town at some point over the last three decades, will retire in July.
Riner Elementary School Principal Keith Rowland will take his place.
Callahan had told his staff at Falling Branch Elementary School three weeks ago that he planned to leave. The Montgomery County School Board was briefed Tuesday night of the school administration's decision to move Rowland to Christiansburg.
The timing is ideal for Rowland, because Riner Elementary will only be in existence for one more year. Beginning with the 1998-99 school year, Riner will combine with Bethel Elementary School in a new building currently under construction.
Callahan said he's been considering retirement for several years. The 55-year-old has worked as an educator for 35 years, making him eligible for full benefits.
His wife, Lora Callahan, has suffered from cancer for six years. She works with the school nutrition program, but this year has taken medical leave.
"This year the cancer began to spread, and that kind of sealed it for me," said the principal. "This will give us a chance to do some things we've always wanted."
Leaving his job will be "the strangest thing," Callahan said. "For the last 50 years I've been connected with school somehow, either being in it, or teaching, or as an administrator."
Callahan spent two years teaching in West Virginia before coming to Christiansburg High School. You name it, he's done it: history teacher, guidance counselor, football and basketball coach, driver's education instructor.
For 19 years, he headed Christiansburg Primary School, then switched to Falling Branch when the school was completed in 1992.
Rowland said he's got some big shoes to fill by replacing Callahan, but he's looking forward to the experience of leading the larger, newer school in Christiansburg.
"The faculty has a great reputation," he said. "I just hope I can bring as much success to that school as we've had" in Riner.
Saying good-bye to Riner Elementary will be difficult for his staff, particularly because they fought to keep him. Last fall, the School Board selected Bethel Elementary's Jeff Perry to head the new combined school in Riner - over Rowland.
"Anytime you change, it's sad to leave a group," Rowland said.
Next year, Perry will lead not only Bethel but Riner as well. Superintendent Herman Bartlett said he plans to find help for Perry. Working with both schools will help develop common ground between both faculties, Bartlett said.
As for farewell parties, Callahan grudgingly expects a few.
"I told my staff that I came in to these positions quietly and I'd like to go out very quietly," he said, "but I imagine they'll have some say about that."
LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (headshots) Callahan, Rowlandby CNB