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

DATE: SATURDAY, June 26, 1993                   TAG: 9306260088
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-6   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD                                LENGTH: Medium

SCHOOL BOARD HEARS SUGGESTIONS ON HIGH-SCHOOL WING IMPROVEMENTS

In an effort to spruce up Radford High's aging east wing, the School Board has asked its architect, Larry Martin, to make a preliminary estimate on improvements. Martin, who inspected the wing this week, suggested "mainly cosmetic" changes to the 12-classroom section built in the 1970s.

"I could see some new lights, some new ceilings, just to brighten it up," Martin said. "Even a new color on the lockers would make a big difference." Martin also said single-pane windows probably waste energy.

He said the board should look into central air conditioning to replace window units. He suggested the board also think about updating the cafeteria and restrooms.

Martin warned about changes involving ceilings that could disturb asbestos. "You could run into some problems there," he said.

The board toured the wing in April and heard teachers' woes about plumbing fixtures breaking off in students' hands, a skimpy supplies budget and of having to share essential equipment.

Board members and administrators have said availability of money will determine how far improvements go and how fast they come.

In other business, the board approved plans by a group of former Radford High athletes to build and donate a new trophy case for their alma mater. Ed Weyer said his group hopes to have the V-shaped case installed in the gym lobby by the start of school this fall. "It's a freebie," he said. "It won't cost the high school anything."

Weyer told the board that some of the school's older sports championship trophies have been damaged, lost or destroyed because there's no safe place to display them.

The board recognized two retiring staff members. McHarg Elementary librarian Barbara Shufflebarger is leaving after 21 years, and freshman counselor and visiting teacher Penny Cook is ending a 36-year career, the last three in Radford.

by CNB