Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, October 16, 1993 TAG: 9310160282
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LAURA WILLIAMSON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Superintendents have risen from within the system since as far back as 1906, according to local historians.
So T.C. Fisher, a former School Board member, can't understand why the board wants to conduct a national search to replace retiring Superintendent Bayes Wilson, let alone pay the Virginia School Board Association $2,000 to do it.
"I have an idea that after Roanoke County makes that search, they'll come back to [Assistant Superintendent] Deanna Gordon or Director of Instruction Garland Life," Fisher said, referring to two county school administrators eligible for the position.
"Everybody's entitled to their own opinion," said Frank Thomas, chairman of the School Board, who is heading the search to replace Wilson.
But Fisher doesn't see why the current board wants to break with a tradition that has served the county so well for so long.
The tradition for hiring people with experience in the county school system stretches back almost to the turn of the century, according to Wilson, co-author of "The Educational Legacy of Roanoke County's Public Schools."
Wilson said Roland E. Cook - principal of Vinton School from 1897 to 1902 - became superintendent in 1906 and stayed for 39 years, until he died in 1945.
According to Deedie Kagey's "A History of Roanoke County," Cook was replaced by R. Douglas Nininger, director of instruction. Nininger served for 10 years, then left to pursue a career in real estate and private business.
Herman L. Horn, director of instruction for county schools from 1940-1942, took over in 1955. He also served for 10 years, then taught history and political science at Culver-Stockton College in Missouri.
When Horn left in 1965, he was replaced by Arnold R. Burton, the assistant superintendent. Burton, a Tennessee native, joined the county school system in 1961 as principal of William Byrd High School.
Burton retired in 1980, handing the job over to Wilson, then principal of Salem High School. Wilson, who began his teaching career at William Byrd High School, also served as assistant superintendent of finance for Roanoke County schools.
He plans to retire June 30.
by CNB