Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, October 9, 1994 TAG: 9410100018
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
First, it is simply bad management. Even if there were no questions about the past performance of Superintendent Herman Bartlett, there is no guarantee his performance in the year to come will justify renewal at the end of the original period. By extending the contract early, they closed off their options for the future.
Second, it is irresponsible to give the superintendent such a strong signal of approval in the face of both a "climate survey" that indicated serious problems in the school system and widely recognized public discontent with Bartlett's decisions. Extending the contract now gives him no incentive to overcome problems.
Third, this vote will demoralize school personnel concerned about the superintendent's performance because it says that the School Board is not listening to them.
Fourth, this vote will seriously hurt relations between the School Board and the PTAs that contribute so much to the operation of the schools. It tells them that the School Board gives no weight to their opinion and does not want their input. If it did, it would have consulted with the PTAs in advance of this decision. Many concerned citizens will feel betrayed by those who are supposed to represent their opinions, and will be reluctant to work with the board in the future.
I hope they will have the courage to reopen this question and reverse this ill-advised decision.
Richard C. Rich
Blacksburg
`No' to change of school name
This letter is to inform all Christiansburg residents of a proposal being considered by the Montgomery County School Board to change the name of the Christiansburg high or middle school to Holmes Middle School or Holmes High School.
I have a daughter in Christiansburg High, a son in Christiansburg Middle School and am also president of both PTAs. At both PTA board meetings on Sept. 12 and 13 it was unanimously agreed that we oppose changing the name of any existing school in Montgomery County.
Both groups have three major concerns:
Changing the schools' names after almost 20 years as CHS and CMS would upset too many people. Alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents and even local businesses would bear the burden of this change. I've had hundreds of concerned individuals come to me or call about this possibility. Many school members have been contacted, too. Every middle and high school in this county is named for the location, not a person.
The cost of changing a school name is more than just exchanging letters on the front of the building or reprinting letterhead. Everything that says CHS or CMS would have to be revamped: band, cheerleading, sports uniforms, all school club information and logos. This would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Can the county afford this when our pupil/teacher ratio has not reached the level projected by Focus 2006? If these funds are even available, shouldn't they be channeled into goals that would benefit our students?
We don't quarrel with the worthiness of the Holmes family. In fact, there are many other equally deserving faculty and administrators. Many have taught or served our children upward of 35 years, one of whom sits on the board. How do you choose who is more deserving? To grant this renaming would set a precedent. Where would it end? When will another group request the same thing?
The parents and taxpayers in this county would rather you spend our money and your time on improving education.
When board members weigh this request, they should consider tradition and how they would feel if the name of their alma mater were changed. We hope to receive a response from the board soon.
Connie Lowe,
President of the PTAs at Christiansburg High School and Middle School.
Christiansburg
What we need is alternative transport
The tragic crash on Sept. 8 of a USAir plane leaves everyone dazed and saddened by the loss of life, and also raises questions that are hard to answer. I don't refer only to the technical questions of what failed on that particular aircraft, but to the unspoken questions and feelings of wanting to understand where responsibility resides for such an event.
Many people do not choose to fly but feel they have almost no other options. Why are there so few alternative means of transportation available today when we need to travel? Before World War II when I was young, there was a good train system and bus system in most parts of the country. Since that time bus and train service has been gutted until the only way to travel today is by car or plane.
I would prefer buses or trains to most places of 500-600 miles distance or even farther. This would be ecologically and economically far better for us all, and would create jobs. Let's support those who are working to revive train travel in the United States and especially in this area. And there's no reason why Greyhound, that has shown no interest in serving the public, needs to be the only carrier available. But the public needs to use and support other means of transport if they are to survive.
Allyn M. Moss
Blacksburg
College security came to rescue
A huge thank you to Radford University security folks and especially "Jimbo."
I needed assistance last Friday with wheelchair accessibility at Heth Hall at Radford University, and the folks in this department were wonderful. I thanked "Jimbo" repeatedly and was impressed to hear him respond, "I feel good helping someone out."
Folks should not miss any activities at Radford University because they need special assistance.
Again thanks so very much!
Louise Wade
Dublin
Robb has the traits of true neighbor
Sen. Charles Robb is a true neighbor. The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige and even his life for the welfare of others.
"Courage faces fear and thereby masters it. Cowardice represses fear and is thereby mastered by it."
Please vote for Robb.
Alvin Humes
Christiansburg
by CNB