Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, January 31, 1993 TAG: 9301310020
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: E1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
RADFORD SCHOOL OFFICIAL RESIGNS ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT'S ARREST ON
The Radford School Board has voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Assistant Superintendent Virginia East, "as requested by Dr. East."The board's action, taken at a rare Saturday morning meeting, followed a 20-minute closed session.
The 55-year-old school administrator from Blacksburg was arrested last week at a Pigeon Forge, Tenn., outlet mall on charges of passing and possessing counterfeit $100 bills. She's been released on $5,000 bond. East, who formerly worked in the Montgomery County school system, has been Radford's second-in-command since 1988.
"The board is greatly saddened by this," board chairman John McPhail said after the vote, adding, "I'm having a hard time getting through this." His voice cracking with emotion, he continued, "and this will never take away the positive contribution that Dr. East has made to the school division."
McPhail promptly moved to adjourn and left the board table to embrace two school staff members in the audience, one of whom wept as the board acted.
Other members of the board and the school community echoed McPhail's sentiments. All seemed to be trying to reconcile their personal feelings toward East as a friend and colleague with the crimes she's accused of committing.
"She'll continue to have a lot of very good friends here," said Radford High School Principal James "Buddy" Martin, who was among the handful of people at the 9 a.m. meeting.
Board member George Ducker said he and his colleagues and the community at large were "greatly surprised and saddened" about East's arrest and subsequent resignation. "We'll remember her for the good things she did for the school system," he said.
Board Vice Chairman Guy Gentry described East as a "very high-energy" person and a valuable employee. "All of us would like to know [the circumstances]," he said, calling it "sad for the person and for the school system."
"I'm sure she's in the thoughts of everyone who came in contact with her," said Gentry. "I wish her the best."
Following the meeting, Superintendent Michael Wright emphasized that the board acted at East's request to accept her resignation. Wright called East's contributions "significant and important." He said he tried to call her after the meeting, but got no answer. Wright said neither he nor the board has had time to think about finding a replacement for East.
East was unavailable for comment.