Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, January 29, 1993 TAG: 9301290280
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
SUPERINTENDENT CANDIDATE TESTED
Herbert Cottrill seemed a bit like a bug under a microscope Thursday with the eyes of Roanoke school administrators, PTA members and teachers upon him.But all the handshaking, questions, prodding and poking, "doesn't bother me at all," he said.
"It's a good process. I'm loving it."
Cottrill was the first of three Roanoke school superintendent finalists to make the required sweep through the school community before the School Board decides next month who will succeed retiring Superintendent Frank Tota.
An assistant superintendent of finance for Charlottesville schools, Cottrill got a close look at the people, the concerns and the issues of the school system he wants to join.
They, in turn, got a good look at him. Cottrill was questioned about everything from his age - 59 - to his worst experience with a parent or student - a parent threatening him with a shotgun.
On why he wants the job: "I've had 30 years in education. I've come to a point in my life when I think I can do more. I think I can have more of an impact now. Roanoke has a diverse student body. I'm not interested in one that does not."
On school safety: "We cannot allow guns in schools or violence in schools. I cannot allow some students to disrupt school for those who want to learn. At the same time, we can't give up on those students. They need the support of a lot of services. But putting them on the street does not solve the problem for the community."
On Roanoke schools: "I visited seven schools several weeks ago and I saw a lot of student involvement; a lot of hands-on approach. I felt a very open, very warm environment. Some areas I would improve are the number of youngsters in kindergarten, first- and second-grade classes. Those classes need to be smaller."
On the magnet school program: "If I could steal them, I'd take them back to Charlottesville. I think Roanoke's got a good thing going. But I am concerned about future funding for the magnet schools."
On school funding: "I don't want to start playing games with money and funding. The state is dragging its feet. [It wants] us to have these programs but isn't providing any more money. Localities cannot continue to support at the percentage they've been supporting."
On his five priorities: "Young people, young people, young people, young people, young people. I don't have a sixth priority."
School Board Chairman Finn Pincus said finalists' meetings with the Roanoke Central Council PTA, teachers, school administrators and the public will provide the board with a perspective not afforded through an interview alone.
"I want to see how well the candidates interact," he said. "I'm also interested in how they answer questions, and I'm interested in hearing the responses."
Linda Wyatt, who represents the Roanoke area on the Virginia Education Association board of directors, said she appreciated the opportunity to find out how employee philosophies meshed with those of Cottrill. But she regretted that outside input did not happen sooner in the selection process.
"A lot of school systems in Virginia have selection committees that include teachers and PTA members," she said. "They sit in on the process from day one. That's the way it should be."
Finalists E. Wayne Harris, an area superintendent for Fairfax County schools, and Willis B. McLeod, associate superintendent for the Richmond school system, will visit Roanoke Monday and Thursday, respectively.
Pincus has said he expects the board to make its selection by early February.