Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, February 15, 1993 TAG: 9302150098
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A5 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: ROBERT FREIS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
1ST SCHOOL CANDIDATE QUIZZED
The Montgomery County School Board entertained the first of two candidates for school superintendent Sunday.Richard B. Holzman shared dinner, philosophy and small talk with board members Sunday night. After a full day of meetings today with school staff and community leaders, Holzman will meet the public at 7:30 p.m. at Christiansburg High School.
The other candidate, Robert C. Rice, will arrive Tuesday for meetings and interviews, culminating in a public forum Wednesday.
Holzman, 53, of Schenectady, N.Y., said he's seeking the Montgomery job because the school system is both progressive and peaceful.
Holzman has been unemployed since October, when the School Board of Middletown Township. N.J., asked him to resign.
Philosophical differences concerning finances and deteriorating relations with staff and teachers' unions were factors in his departure.
Montgomery County presents a "less contentious" atmosphere, which Holzman said is "extremely attractive."
Dire financial straits that strained the Middletown Township schools caused a divisive atmosphere, Holzman said. "It looks a lot better here in Montgomery County than other places I've dealt with."
Like Holzman, Rice was propelled from his last job in education. In 1988, he resigned as superintendent of Anne Arundel County, Md., schools after the School Board would not approve a new contract.
Montgomery County Education Association President Linda Ives said she's not impressed by either Holzman or Rice.
Holzman said he'd like the opportunity to prove himself. "Each person has to be judged by their own merits," he said.
He characterized his management style as one of team building and collaboration.
Holzman said he's aware of the continuing controversy in Montgomery County concerning the designation of school calendar holidays as "winter" and "spring" break, rather than "Christmas" and "Easter."
"The challenge is to find the common ground, to achieve a meeting of the minds," he said. "You might not achieve that, but you can try your very best."
Holzman and Rice are competing to succeed Harold Dodge, whose resignation as superintendent is effective June 30.