Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, January 28, 1993 TAG: 9301280266
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
SALEM SCHOOL BOARD GAINING EXPERIENCE
WILLIAM SINKLER first applied for a seat on Salem's School Board in 1985. The elementary school principal, who's been a professional educator for more than 30 years, finally made it last month.\ William Sinkler would prefer that the attention his appointment to the Salem School Board has drawn fade away.
The last thing he says he needs is another news article noting that he is the board's first black member.
What bothers him is the implication that as a black person, he will focus only on the needs of a particular group of students.
"I am pleased to be able to serve all segments of children," Sinkler said. "We have to be about people. And people come in different colors, forms and shapes, not just the rich or the average or the below-average. We have to work with all people."
Sinkler's appointment last month was partly in response to the longtime urgings of Salem residents who wanted minority representation on the board. Salem City Council broke a tradition of reappointing incumbent board members when it filled one of two open seats with Sinkler.
Council chose not to reappoint then-Chairman John Moore, voting instead to appoint Sinkler, 55, and incumbent member Glenn Thornhill Jr.
"We'd strongly suggested that we would appoint a minority to the position, and I felt personally that it was time to fulfill that," Councilman Alex Brown said. "I felt that [Sinkler] was the best candidate, period, and the best man, period, for the job. He brings a unique perspective that the board has never had before."
Moore said little then about council's decision. But two weeks later, he made his views known in a letter published in the Salem Times-Register. Moore wrote that while he did not question City Council's right to appoint whom it wanted, he was concerned that pressure from a special-interest group might override a desire to appoint the best-qualified person.
Sinkler said he read the letter.
"It didn't offend me," he said. "I know people sometimes say things to make people lose energy. But you have to do a lot to offend me. I see things in a positive way, not negative."
Few may know of Sinkler's extensive background in education. Or that his interest in serving on the School Board goes back to 1985, when he first applied for a board appointment.
In more than 30 years in education, Sinkler has been a high school teacher in South Carolina, Lynchburg and Roanoke. He was an assistant principal at two Roanoke middle schools and a dean at Patrick Henry High School.
He now is principal of Lincoln Terrace Elementary School in Roanoke.
Sinkler's appointment makes him the only board member with a professional background in elementary and secondary education. He views his range of experience as a plus.
"I've seen education 360 degrees - the complete circumference," he said. "I feel my experience will enable me to communicate with administration, staff, teachers and students."
Salem School Superintendent Wayne Tripp said he has been impressed with Sinkler's judgment and thoughtful attitude about issues.
"I believe he will bring to us a perspective that will be extremely valuable," Tripp said. "I don't say that in regard to his ethnic background. I think he brings enthusiasm and an intelligent approach to questions. I think he will be a force on the board."
Sinkler, a 25-year resident of Salem, says he has high regard for the city's school system. He is equally proud of the Roanoke system, he says.
Sinkler's sons - William and Wayne - were educated in Salem schools.
"Each school system has a unique offering for their clientele," he said. "There are bits and pieces of educational experiences found in all of the schools. The bottom line is that we are doing our very best to educate children, regardless of the location."
Sinkler finds no conflict in an employee of one school system serving on the School Board of another. It's happened before, he said - in the 1970s when a member of the Salem school staff served on the Roanoke School Board.
"I'm not asked to share with central office the conditions or problems of another jurisdiction," Sinkler said. "I'm capable of handling matters like that."