Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, February 26, 1993 TAG: 9302260233
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: MELISSA DeVAUGHN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: FLOYD LENGTH: Medium
ARBOGAST NAMED FLOYD SCHOOL CHIEF
The Floyd County School Board wants a Fauquier County administrator to succeed Superintendent Omar Ross, who retires June 30.The board unanimously agreed Wednesday night that Terry G. Arbogast, assistant superintendent for administration in Fauquier County, is the most qualified person for the postion.
Arbogast was reached by phone Thursday, but declined to comment on the position until details are worked out in his contract.
"The board is excited about Mr. Arbogast becoming a member of our community and taking on the responsibilities of school superintendent," School Board Chairman Bill Munzing said.
Two other candidates - Paul "Jay" Strickler, supervisor of curriculum and assessment in Franklin County and Nancy Vance, assistant superintendent of instruction and personnel in Dinwiddie County - were finalists for the job. The three toured the county schools and were interviewed Wednesday.
Arbogast, 46, has worked 25 years in education, beginning as an elementary school teacher and even driving a school bus. He has coached and taught at the high school level, and now is in the central office in Fauquier County.
Arbogast's job there includes budgeting, hiring and firing of school personnel; working on salary scales; and overseeing other areas of school finances.
Fauquier County has approximately 8,600 students and 15 schools, compared to Floyd County's 1,900 students and five schools.
In Fauquier, a $25 million bond referendum recently was passed to construct a middle school in the county, which now has four junior high schools. Floyd County is facing the same decision on whether to construct the first-ever middle school in the county.
"I think the middle school is an excellent way to go," Arbogast said in an interview Wednesday. "It's endorsed by the Education Department, and I believe it is very effective."
While touring Floyd's schools Wednesday, Arbogast said his goal as superintendent of Floyd County would be to make sure that "everyday, every child has a successful experience at school, whether that be a pat on the back or a compliment or words of encouragement. There are a lot of ways to reinforce quality in education."
He also said that before he would make any decisions regarding Floyd schools, he needs to spend some time in the county.
"I don't know the community dynamics yet," he said. "You need to know the community first and understand the culture before making decisions. There is something that is good for Floyd County and we need to find out what that is."
Reba Goff, president of the Floyd County Education Association, was pleased with the selection. In a letter sent to the board Wednesday evening, she and other association members supported Arbogast for superintendent.
"The teachers were ecstatic when they heard," she said. "It was an obvious choice, especially since the board voted unanimously.
"We have high expectations for him, but we think he can fill those expectations. We look forward to working with him."
The association's main concern for the new superintendent, Goff said, is the need for more clear communications between the central office and teachers.
Arbogast has a strong record for communication, and said that "communication is absolutely paramount to success." In Fauquier County, he helped organize 13 committees of county employees who help advise the School Board.
"I'm very big on talking to people, hearing from them," Arbogast said. "Let's hear what people are saying and be proactive."
Arbogast is a graduate of Bridgewater College. He received a master's degree in administration from the University of Virginia. He is married and has two grown sons, one of whom attends Virginia Tech.
He is expected to start work July 1 in Floyd.