Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, September 14, 1994 TAG: 9409150025
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Gary Waldo, executive director of the Roanoke Education Association, wanted to show it to the School Board on Tuesday night, but most board members said they would rather listen instead to the former employees who want their jobs back.
Waldo said the tape could help resolve the controversy over what Harris told the alternative education staff. Harris has denied that he promised anyone a job. Twelve of the 29 staff members from last year were hired for the restructured program.
Waldo said he got the tape last weekend but didn't say who gave it to him. Harris apparently knew his meeting with the staff in January was being taped, but he made no effort to prevent the taping, Waldo said.
School Board Chairman Nelson Harris said he preferred to see the tape Tuesday, but several other members said they would prefer to watch it another time.
Waldo said he will decide in the next few days whether to make the tape available to board members and reporters.
Harris made no comment during the discussion about the tape.
The School Board listened to nearly 20 speakers on both sides of the controversy but gave no hint whether it would act.
Several former alternative education teachers made emotional appeals to get back their jobs. They said they had been treated unfairly and replaced for no reason.
Juaneva Walker said the taught English for 23 years in New York and three years in the alternative education program. Walker said she is finding it hard to make ends meet.
But two speakers backed the superintendent.
Helen Hall said Wayne Harris was trying to bring alternative education in line with other school programs by requiring all teachers to have teaching certificates. She said the ousted staff members were seeking preferential treatment.
"Support your superintendent," Roland Malone, a former teacher and coach, told the board.
Nelson Harris said he will talk with board members during the next few days, but he finds that most support the superintendent.
The board moved ahead with plans to expand the alternative education program, endorsing a planned move to Valley Court Mall at Interstate 581 and Hershberger Road and approving "in principle" a lease for nearly 19,000 square feet in the mall. Board member John Saunders noted that City Council has expressed interest in the same property for a field house.
But Wayne Harris said the schools need to proceed quickly and complete the move by February. The board will be asked to approve the lease next month.
Wayne Harris said school administrators will keep city officials informed.
by CNB