Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 2, 1994 TAG: 9406020079
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Stovall said Wednesday that, if elected, he will be available in the evening and early morning at schools in the Vinton magisterial district to talk with parents and others about school issues.
He became the third candidate to enter the race for the Vinton seat on the School Board in the November election.
Stovall, an investigator with the Vinton Police Department, said he cares about county schools because he has children and wants them to have a quality education.
He began his campaign in front of Herman L. Horn Elementary School, where he began his education more than 25 years ago. About 30 family members and friends attended the news conference.
Stovall, 32, said the quality of education and safety in schools will be major issues in the campaign.
"I want every parent, grandparent and guardian to feel that their children are safe when they go to school," Stovall said.
"There is no place in school for weapons, drugs and alcohol," he said, adding that he will seek parental involvement to help keep the schools safe.
Stovall said he will look into the possibility of using police officers in high schools for programs to help steer youngsters away from drugs.
He promised to work with Deanna Gordon, who will take over as superintendent this summer, and other administrators to maintain the quality of county schools.
Stovall said he has been interested in schools for many years and he believes the time is right for him to run.
"I am going to run a grass-roots campaign and knock on a lot of doors," he said.
The two other candidates in the race so far are Evelyn Ball, a parent-teacher association leader, and Robert Rouse, a real estate agent.
Barbara "Bootie" Chewning, the incumbent in the Vinton district, said she will decide soon whether she will be a candidate.
This year's election will be the first time in Roanoke County that voters will select School Board members. Current board members were selected by a commission appointed by Roanoke County Circuit Court judges.
The Hollins and Windsor Hills district seats will also be up for election in November.
Jerry Canada, who represents the Hollins district, is running to keep his seat.
Charlsie Pafford, who represents Windsor Hills, will not be a candidate. Raymond Denney, an employee with the state Department of Social Services, is seeking the Windsor Hills seat.
The seats of Chairman Frank Thomas of Catawba and Maurice "Buck" Mitchell of Cave Spring will be up for election in November 1995.
The filing deadline for board candidates is Aug. 26.
by CNB