Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 26, 1990 TAG: 9004260143
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: KEVIN KITTREDGE SHENANDOAH BUREAU
DATELINE: LEXINGTON LENGTH: Medium
Stark, responding to recent criticism of the school system's hiring practices, said he would consider a recommendation from someone he knows over someone he doesn't know - which could give local candidates an edge.
But Stark said candidates from outside the county or the state will still get the nod if no one is qualified locally.
Stark's comments follow a flurry of letters to the editors of local newspapers last month claiming some have been shortchanged in their search for teaching jobs in Rockbridge County.
An Augusta County resident wrote that she had tried for two years to get a job in the Rockbridge County schools - but never got an interview.
"If you are not close kin, distant kin or not-so-distant kin to someone in the entire school system or to the county supervisors, or if you or your parents don't have any any clout with these people, then forget it," charged the writer, Sharon Fowler of Verona.
Stark said nepotism rules - which prohibit hiring teachers who are closely related to the superintendent of schools or School Board members - are strictly observed. But Stark also said there is nothing to prevent the hiring of friends or acquaintances of those people.
He would not discuss individual applicants.
Another writer, Carol Holland of Rockbridge Baths, also said she applied for a position in the county schools but was never interviewed.
Holland said she spoke to Robert Carpenter, principal of Natural Bridge Middle/High School, about her application for a job teaching home economics. Carpenter, she said, replied he already had someone in mind "who would do a bang-up job," and who also lived closer to Natural Bridge.
Holland told a reporter Wednesday she is convinced school officials knew who they would hire all along. "It didn't matter who applied for that job," she said.
Carpenter Wednesday declined to say who had got the job - but he said he met her for the first time when she came to the school for an interview. He said the teacher "has done a good job and is qualified."
He said the teacher was not hired because she lives close to the school.
Stark said the school system received 104 applicants for eight positions for the current school year, ruling out an interview for each applicant. "We do not have the manpower to interview everybody."
Describing the selection process, Stark said he goes through the applications first himself - sending 10-12 on to the schools where the teaching positions are open.
The school's principal then cuts the list further, Stark said, checking references and interviewing applicants, and eventually comes up with a short list which the principal and Stark go over together in making the final choice.
Stark said no changes are planned in the hiring process.
by CNB