Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 29, 1990 TAG: 9006290408
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: MARGARET CAMLIN NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
"I've known Eddie Crews for 25 years," said Peggy Lee Hubble of Dublin, who went door to door with friends collecting signatures for the past two weeks. "He's a qualified individual who wasn't given a chance last year."
Hubble presented the petitions at the board's first meeting since former Superintendent James Burns left two weeks ago for a job in Columbus, Ga.
As usual, the board began its meeting with a prayer. Outgoing member Thomas Thompson asked God for guidance in the search for a new superintendent. "Father, you know we can't please everyone," he prayed.
Crews had applied for the superintendent's job last year but was not granted an interview.
Reached by telephone at his home Thursday night, he said he will apply again. Today is the deadline for applications.
"I'm highly honored that the good folks out there think enough of me to do that. . . . It was quite a shock," Crews said.
He said he had not given serious thought to applying until he was visited by Hubble and told about the petitions on Sunday. "When you get that kind of support . . . you feel kind of obligated," he said.
Crews has spent 32 years in public education in the county - including 12 1/2 years as assistant superintendent for administration and 12 years as principal at the former Dublin High School.
As of Thursday afternoon, the board had not established times for reviewing applications and interviewing candidates.
The board has conducted a national search, advertising in education publications and securing help from the Virginia School Boards Association.
Hubble was joined by about nine other citizens at the meeting, including Bob Blake, a local accountant.
Blake said he thinks the board should hire someone local "who already has a working knowledge of the county, its economy and our needs . . . someone who'll hit the floor running on the first day of work."
At the meeting, the board also reviewed a long-range plan for expanding computer-assisted instruction to every county school.
This would cost $1.37 million, including wiring, maintenance, aides and other operating costs.
The county Board of Supervisors had asked school officials for the proposal, which the supervisors are to review at their July 23 meeting.
"I think it's great they'll even listen to it, much less tell you to bring it to them," said board member Paul Shelor, smiling.
Computer-assisted instruction labs at every school could become part of the county's overall capital improvements plan, said John Johnston, supervisor of budget and finance.
The board spent $233,000 on software and $150,000 on hardware for 128 computer terminals to be installed at Pulaski County High School and 32 terminals for Riverlawn Elementary School.
by CNB