Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, September 11, 1993 TAG: 9309110054
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV 8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
During the 1974-75 school year, her team won the Western District track championship. That year, the girls' team earned the nickname "Cougar Express" and it stuck.
The School Board accepted the recommendation Thursday night of the fitness center steering committee on naming the building.
The recommendation had come at the board's Aug. 12 meeting. "Apparently we've got nothing but positive feedback from that," said Vice Chairman Nathan Tuck, who presided Thursday. Chairman Ron Chaffin had a death in his family.
Chrisley taught for 16 years in Pulaski County, starting in the 1971-72 term, as well as coaching track. She completed the 1986-87 school year despite an illness, and died a few months after the school term ended.
Her husband, Randy, and Kenneth Dobson, a former county school superintendent who still volunteers to help coach football, have been co-chairmen of the fund-raising drive for the center.
The Chrisleys' two children attend the school. Randy is a senior and Brett is a sophomore.
The 13,820-square-foot center is to be built using no tax money. The drive has already raised $81,000 in cash and $70,000 in in-kind contributions, enough for the shell and walls.
The drive continues for another $60,000 to complete and equip the interior. Supporters hope to have the building finished inside and out by next spring.
In other business Thursday night, Superintendent William Asbury discussed the Aug. 18 Virginia Supreme Court ruling in the suit against the state by the Coalition for Equity in Educational Funding. Pulaski County is a member of the coalition.
"We're a little confused about the ruling," he said. "In fact, it's perplexed the attorneys in Richmond that represent the coalition. They're not sure what it means."
Asbury said the ruling seems to say the suit is alive.
At least the suit may keep pressure on the state legislature to address educational funding disparities, he said.
The board's meeting next month would normally fall on Oct. 14 but, due to a school board workshop in Charlottesville Oct. 13-14, it will be held instead Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. in Newbern Elementary School.
by CNB