Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 3, 1993 TAG: 9306030334
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: STEVE KARK STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PEARISBURG LENGTH: Medium
Applicants Ronald Whitehead, who currently serves on the board, and Janet Tuckwiller were each accompanied by county residents who spoke in their favor.
Tuckwiller identified herself as an educator, a county business owner and a parent of two attending a county school. She told the board that her own rural childhood and her parents' regard for education had taught her determination, responsibility, and a concern for the welfare of others.
While Tuckwiller said she was satisfied with the current condition of public education in the county, she also warned that county leaders should be ready "to question the status quo."
She stressed the need for a quality school system that involved cooperation between teachers and the community, adequate resources and a safe classroom environment.
Four people spoke in favor of her appointment. One, who has worked with Tuckwiller as a university extension agent, said she supported her appointment because "a good extension agent is a good teacher, and she was one of the best in the state."
Another, a retired Giles teacher, told the board that she had "never worked with another individual who was a better team player" than Tuckwiller.
Whitehead offered no opening remarks of his own. Instead, he introduced three county residents who spoke in his favor.
Former Giles County Treasurer Irene O'Dell said she supported his appointment on the basis of his strong record of service within the county. She endorsed his current work on the School Board, and pointed out that his experience includes seven years as teacher and 24 years as a principal in the school system.
Ross Martin and Eddie Kendall, both of Pembroke, acknowledged the service Whitehead has already given to his community.
Martin told the supervisors that, among other things, Whitehead was instrumental in opening a credit union for the county's school employees.
Kendall said that his experience with Whitehead began when he was a pupil in his class and continued until the present. During all this time, he said, he admired Whitehead's ability to hear all sides of an issue and never begrudge an opposing view.
The only note of contention during the hearing occurred when Supervisor Bobby Compton accused Whitehead of involving himself in county politics.
Compton said he regretted that Whitehead had gotten involved in the issue of changing how School Board members are chosen - whether they should continue to be appointed by the supervisors or be elected by county residents.
Whitehead bristled at Compton's remarks, and denied that he had any involvement in such an effort.
At any rate, said Compton, county voters will be able to decide how it will be done in the fall.
No decision on the appointment was made at the meeting. It will be decided later this month after the supervisors have privately interviewed each applicant.
by CNB