Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, February 25, 1994 TAG: 9402250237
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Gordon said she felt almost as anxious in accepting the superintendent's post Thursday night as she did the night before she started teaching those seventh-graders in 1960.
"I wondered - what am I getting myself into?" she said. "I thought that before I began teaching 39 students in the seventh grade."
Gordon said her first year as a teacher was wonderful. And she has the same attitude about becoming superintendent.
She was a popular choice among top administrators and some teachers at the School Board meeting.
They gave her a standing ovation and a bouquet of roses after the board chose her.
Gordon has been a visiting professor in Virginia Tech's College of Education and an adjunct instructor at the University of Virginia. She also has been a consultant to publishing companies for school textbooks.
School board members said she has strong communication skills and works well with others.
"She has a vision and she can communicate it," said Frank Thomas, school board chairman.
Thomas said Gordon had a major role last year in developing a six-year plan for the school system.
He also pointed to Gordon's broad range of civic and community activities.
Board member Barbara "Bootie" Chewning, who represents the Vinton magisterial district, joked that she also liked Gordon for another reason.
"Yes, she is from Vinton, too," said Chewning.
by CNB