Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 19, 1994 TAG: 9405190140
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
Her request created passionate debate, cut short by a five-minute recess, when Chairman Roy Vickers said, "We just had the bombshell of the year thrown at us."
After folks had cooled down, Vickers said, "I believe I have no recourse but to grant your wish, but with grave personal misgivings. I just don't like to second guess myself forever."
Member David Moore said Kennedy's request to discuss the name at the June 7 meeting would set a precedent for members who voted against a motion to keep bringing it up. "I don't see why we keep revisiting a motion already passed," he said. "This is ridiculous."
The School Board's attorney, Kimberly Ritchie, broke in and informed Vickers that in fact, Kennedy needed a two-thirds majority, or six votes, to request that the board consider overturning its decision. She got it.
Vickers led the discussion with an anecdote about what his sons said the school should be called, ending with the punchline: "Well, how about Brush Mountain View on a clear day?"
Member Annette Perkins gave a blistering speech, saying the name is a serious matter to many in Blacksburg. She criticized members who complained that the board takes too long to decide policy, or that meetings go too late. Everything they do affects children, she said, and if four hours on a Tuesday night is dedicated to children's lives, that's not too much.
"I don't have a problem with discussing those things," she said. "That's what we're here for, people."
Barry Worth, the representative from Riner who originally proposed "West Blacksburg Elementary," said he'd heard Riner residents say they'd take a new school and gladly keep the name West Blacksburg.
"There are a lot of people in this county that would just like to have a school, no matter what you call it," he said.
The vote passed 6-3, with Moore, Worth and Becky Raines voting against.
West Blacksburg Elementary Principal Ray Van Dyke said no stationery had been printed up yet and that the school would deal with whatever decision the board made. Although he said the secretary finds "West Blacksburg Elementary" a mouthful, he had no preference for a name.
In other business:
The board voted 6-3 to accept the 12-10 Calendar Committee recommendation to accept the Labor Day law waiver and open Aug. 29. Vice Chairman Bob Goncz said, "I guess making the least worst decision, I will vote in favor."
The board unanimously voted to add girls soccer to Blacksburg and Christiansburg high schools and girls softball to Christiansburg High.
The board began receiving information on the plan for gifted students' education, which includes adding one gifted teacher next year, the European-inspired International Baccalaureate degree in two years, a magnet school for middle or high schoolers in two years, and adding honors classes in eighth grade in three years. The plan also includes a tightening of standards to qualify as gifted; students will have to demonstrate either exceptional achievement or academic ability.
by CNB