Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, April 19, 1993                   TAG: 9304190011
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: LAURA WILLIAMSON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

BOARD CANDIDATE `CAN'T LEAVE EDUCATION ALONE'

Since then, the former Franklin Corn County elementary school principal and research director has served as a consultant for Virginia Tech, monitored new Roanoke Valley teachers for the state and written administrative job descriptions for Franklin County schools.

He even thought about writing a book about what's wrong with education today.

"I just can't leave education alone and it can't leave me alone," he said.

So, what's wrong with today's schools?

"Really, what's wrong with education is what's wrong with society," said Corn, 61. "When values go downhill, it affects the schools."

Corn, who moved to the city with his wife last winter, wants a place on the Roanoke School Board so that he can continue his 34-year commitment to education.

What makes him a better candidate than the others?

"I'm retired," he joked. "I have time."

Corn said he has no preconceived ideas about changes to make in the city's schools. He does, however, agree with incoming School Superintendent Wayne Harris that individual schools should be more involved in making decisions aboutpolicies that affect them.

He also sympathizes with teachers who petition the board each year for higher salaries.

"Teacher pay compares poorly with other professions," said Corn, whose salary as an educator - despite a doctorate in higher education from Indiana University - topped out at $34,000 per year.

"They almost have to chip away at this every year to keep the situation from becoming reprehensible."

FIVE candidates have applied for two seats on the Roanoke City School Board. Beginning today we'll profile one candidate each day.

Keywords:
PROFILE