Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 4, 1993 TAG: 9306040259
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LAURA WILLIAMSON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Seven children.
Eight grandsons.
Nine granddaughters.
Twenty-three nieces.
And 34 nephews.
"As long as I have children and grandchildren going to school, I'm going to be involved," she said Thursday night at a meeting of school administration representatives, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and Concerned Citizens for Justice.
As president of the local chapter of Concerned Citizens for Justice, Wilson was there to add her voice to the many who have spoken up already about where they think the School Board should place its priorities for the next three years. Thursday's meeting was one of 14 requested by School Superintendent-elect E. Wayne Harris, who wants all members of the community to take part in that process.
Harris, who will replace retiring Superintendent Frank Tota on July 1, expanded the opportunity for public input from the traditional annual public hearing to a series of meetings between school administrators and civic organizations.
He will report the results of those meetings to the School Board at its July 7 planning session.
When he does, this is what he will tell board members that Roanoke's black community wants to see:
A holistic approach to education that includes adequate food and clothing for all students who cannot afford their own.
Black history lessons included in all American history classes instead of being taught separately.
More vocational programs.
More professionalism among teachers and between teachers and students, to increase respect in the schools and reduce violence. Support groups for teachers might help achieve this goal.
A dress code that emphasizes neatness.
Truant officers.
Student organizations at each school to which students can take their concerns.
Programs that stress inter-racial harmony.
More black teachers, particularly male teachers, who can provide good role models.
A black community education coordinator who is familiar with and trusted by Roanoke's black community.
by CNB