Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 16, 1990 TAG: 9005160506
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: BEDFORD/FRANKLIN
SOURCE: MARGARET CAMLIN NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
The School Board Selection Commission also reappointed member Ann Neighbors to a second term after a 35-minute closed meeting.
Commission Chairman Ralph Allison said the vote was 2-1 for each appointment, but he would not say who voted which way.
This is the 47-year-old Thompson's 16th year on the board. "I've had a lot of time on the board and I've enjoyed every minute of it," he said after the meeting. "I wish the gentleman all the luck in the world," he said of Saltz.
"I wish we could have had another black," he said, explaining there were no other black candidates because the entire black community backed him. "We don't have anybody representing us now.
"For years we were on the outside looking in," Thompson said. "I don't know how the black community is going to react."
As the member-at-large, Thompson said black residents from across the county often would phone him with concerns about school matters. "They would hardly ever go to white members on the board."
Allison said it may be possible to add another at-large member to the board. He said the commission was looking into the matter. Saltz said he was surprised and pleased to be appointed. "Tommy's given them a good 16 years - he's a good man," Saltz said.
"The board's facing some new decisions and I feel they need somebody with some experience" in education, Saltz said.
Saltz, the owner of a Pulaski antiques shop, was a math teacher and coach for 10 years at Richmond's George Wythe High School and was principal for eight years at Salem Middle School in Chesterfield County.
Saltz said he would like to see teachers be more actively involved in attending School Board meetings. "I'll be very, very visible in the schools," he said.
He said he supports expansion of computer-assisted instruction and the plans for a performance-based curriculum at Pulaski County High School.
"I'm supportive of an awful lot of things [Superintendent James] Burns has done," he said. "Some changes were needed. He has made a positive impact and I hope he stays."
Burns is one of four finalists for the superintendent post in Muskogee County, Ga. A decision is expected by early next week.
by CNB