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

DATE: SATURDAY, February 19, 1994                   TAG: 9402190141
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

SUPERINTENDENT FINALIST TAKES NAME OFF LIST

Kenneth Walker, one of the three finalists for the post of Roanoke County school superintendent, has withdrawn from consideration.

Walker, a leader in the fight to end educational disparity in Virginia, said Friday he has decided to remain as superintendent for South Boston and Halifax County.

In recent years, he has had a high profile statewide in his role as chairman of the Coalition for Equity in Educational Funding.

Walker has been a spokesman for a coalition of rural and inner-city school divisions suing the state, charging that Virginia violates its own constitution by not providing an equal education for all students.

Frank Thomas, chairman of the Roanoke County School Board, confirmed that Walker has withdrawn.

Thomas said Walker was an outstanding applicant, who impressed the board. Walker withdrew after he was interviewed.

The board is expected to name a superintendent next week to succeed Bayes Wilson, who will retire June 30.

by CNB