Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 10, 1993 TAG: 9302100364
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
WELCOME HOME, MR. HARRIS
IT IS nice, but not especially relevant, that the city of Roanoke soon will have its first black superintendent of public schools. It's also nice, but not critically important, that the new school administrator was born and raised in Salem, and knows the valley as "home."E. Wayne Harris, by all accounts, was not chosen for reasons of affirmative action or provincialism. He was the Roanoke School Board's unanimous choice because of his superb qualifications for the superintendent's post.
The 47-year-old educator has spent 25 years with the huge Fairfax County school system, most recently as area superintendent. In that role, he oversaw an administration area with 37 schools and 27,000 students. (That's more than in the Roanoke city and Roanoke County school systems combined.)
During his time in Fairfax County, he became well-known for his work on behalf of minority students, particularly immigrants who speak little English. In 1988, Harris received three awards honoring his service on behalf of human and civil rights. Three years ago, The Washington Post termed him one of Northern Virginia's most promising top administrators.
In June, shortly before he succeeds Frank Tota as Roanoke's school superintendent, Harris is to receive his doctorate from Harvard University.
As much as they were impressed by his outstanding professional credentials, School Board members said they also were struck by Harris' sensitivity and his sense of humor. (Because the superintendent's job is a lightning rod for so many of the community's concerns, a sense of humor should come in handy.)
Too, it says something about him that he passed - apparently with flying colors - the critical reviews by administrators and teachers and parents organizations, as well as by the school board.
Yes, Harris is black. This should not promote white flight from city schools any more than former Mayor Noel Taylor's skin color promoted white flight from the city. Harris' race enhances his value as a role model. But beyond that, it shouldn't be a big factor in his job as superintendent.
It did seem a little strange that the semifinalists in the national search for Tota's successor were all Virginians. But it is clear, in Harris' case, that the search effort has produced an excellent selection.
The School Board was able to attract Harris here in part, no doubt, because of the Roanoke school system's reputation for quality - a reputation for which the retiring Tota deserves a good share of credit.
Like Tota, Harris could make a strong mark on public education in this city. It will take a while to see what kind of mark. Meanwhile, awaiting the native son's return are a lot of challenges facing the schools, and a lot of hope that, in addressing these challenges, Harris will provide strong and successful leadership.