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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 2, 1993                   TAG: 9306020225
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: LAURA WILLIAMSON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

DECISION ON PRINCIPAL PUT OFF BY SCHOOL BOARD

The Roanoke School Board postponed a decision Tuesday night on whether to reappoint Hurt Park Elementary Principal William Shepherd, who is under investigation by the commonwealth attorney's office for allegedly failing to report a case of suspected child abuse.

Shepherd's job hangs in the balance while Betty Jo Anthony, Roanoke chief assistant commonwealth's attorney, decides whether to bring charges against him for failing to alert Child Protective Services of the possible abuse of an 11-year-old student April 27.

Four teachers told Shepherd that day that the child arrived at school with unusual bruises on her face, Anthony said. Virginia law required Shepherd to report their suspicions to the child welfare agency "immediately."

He never did, Anthony said. The case was reported by a relative of the child later that day. Criminal charges have been brought against the child's mother.

Anthony, who had been expected to make a decision on Shepherd's case last week, said Tuesday the investigation was not yet complete.

Until it is, Shepherd will not be reappointed as principal of Hurt Park for next year, School Board Chairman Finn Pincus said.

"When this is cleared up, then we will proceed," he said.

Shepherd's name was not included on a personnel list dozens of pages long that included the reappointments of most other city school principals and teachers Tuesday night.

He has not, however, been asked to step down from his position for the remainder of this school year. He will continue to keep his job until the investigation concludes, Pincus said.

Failure to report suspected child abuse is a misdemeanor which carries up to a $500 fine for a first offense and from $100 to $1,000 fine for repeated offenses. A conviction carries no jail time. Pincus said no action will be necessary if Shepherd is cleared. If he is not, the board will depend on Superintendent Frank Tota, who retires June 30, and other central office administrators to recommend what action to take, he said.

by CNB