Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 30, 1990 TAG: 9005300367
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: MARGARET CAMLIN NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
"Dr. Burns has been a personal friend and acquaintance . . . but his resignation is premature and precipitous in that we're left in a lurch here," said Howard Sadler, whose wife is a teacher for the system. "How about telling us how you feel?"
One by one, the board members laid bare their thoughts. Chairwoman Irene Kegley likened Burns' resignation to being "left at the altar."
"We will find another superintendent - we found him," Kegley said in a quiet, firm voice. "We're looking already."
Burns resigned last week to accept the superintendent position in Muscogee County, Ga. His last day is June 24. In a unanimous vote, the board appointed Assistant Superintendent Phyllis Bishop to be interim superintendent.
"I hate to use the word `betrayal,' " said board member Ann Neighbors. "We've been extremely disappointed."
Burns has forced the board to think, to be more informed and better organized, board member Thomas Thompson said. "I appreciate Dr. Burns," he said. "I didn't get to know him like I wanted to."
Board member Nathaniel Tuck expressed unhappiness with Burns' breach of contract, but added Burns has "opened the board's eyes to the potential the county has."
Earlier, Burns thanked the board for the opportunity to work for the school system and apologized for disappointing them.
"I've let you down, but I've not let you down lightly or capriciously," Burns said. When he arrived last July to Pulaski County, Burns said he felt the "strongest of commitments. I wish it could have worked out that I could stay."
Bishop, who will be paid an additional $1,200 monthly while interim superintendent, thanked board members for placing confidence in her. "I will do everything in my power to see that we have a smooth transition between superintendents."
She said she appreciates the opportunity of working closely with Burns and learning a lot from him.
Echoing Neighbors' comments, Bishop said the programs initiated this year "are not Dr. Burns' alone, they are Pulaski County's initiatives."
After the meeting, Sadler said he confronted the board and urged them to speak out because "it's not sufficient for them to say, `No Comment.' "
He said everyone on the board has known him for years, so they "trusted the question."
by CNB