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

DATE: SUNDAY, June 19, 1994                   TAG: 9407150011
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long

LETTERS

I am disgusted but not surprised by the Montgomery County School superintendent's reaction to student accusations resulting from his recent presentation to student government leaders. Prior to discussing the incident in question with anyone, I had heard from students at two high schools in the county that the superintendent had really "turned them off" at the session.

The June 10 newspaper article stated that "Bartlett said the students' perception is untrue." That is an incorrect statement on his part. Perception is an individual thing and a product of one's total experiences with another individual or organization. I happen to believe the students because of my experiences with the superintendent. I have had him twist what I said completely out of context. I have had him deny comments that he had made to me. All these actions help shape my perception of the superintendent.

The incident with the student government leaders just reinforces the finding of the climate survey. Dr. Worner, author of the climate survey, in his summary told the School Board that it must act quickly or the many problems identified would become big problems. The School Board's decision to delay consideration of the climate survey until its summer retreat has already proven to be unwise. My perception is forming that they will do nothing. I hope they prove me wrong.

Jim Johnson

Blacksburg

\ Blacksburg attacks on schools criticized

I get so tired every time I pick up the paper and see someone from Blacksburg is downing the school system. If they are so smart, why don't they file for charter for a city and leave Montgomery County alone. They let the children take over. They are so rude they interrupt a senior speaker. How much money have the taxpayers paid out because Blacksburg can't get their way in the school system? That is why we have to replace superintendents so often. Is this an attack on the superintendent because he wants to be fair to the other schools in Montgomery County?

Verbena Walters

Riner

Let localities pick names of schools

[School Board member] Barry Worth, in a tirade, says, "I am disgusted."

Why should someone from Riner be so upset over another locality's wanting to name its school? I could care less what Riner or Shawsville name their schools. The wishes of each locality should be honored.

Worth said naming the school after a person was not supposed to be an option. Why? There are two schools in Blacksburg named after people.

David Moore says Zimri Holmes taught both black and white children. The Kipps sisters, he said, retired before integration began. Phillip Harmon Price, the first black to graduate from Blacksburg High School, graduated with me in 1963. The Kipps sisters were still teaching then when integration had begun.

Gary K. Spence

Christiansburg

Auburn teacher deserves praise

This year will conclude the productive and successful years of teaching for Kitty Brennan at Auburn Middle School. We need to commend her for the innumerable hours that she gave to her students and the many extra hours that she traveled with them. She planned so that her students could experience the unknown and meet many notables.

She has been a role model both as a loyal family member and a dedicated member of her profession. As a member of her community, she has left us a legacy of energy awareness and a renewed respect for our planet Earth. Her resourcefulness and her thirst for knowledge will remain a part of our lives. We wish Mrs. Brennan good health and exciting travels.

Susan Teany

Christiansburg

Citizens should take responsibility

It was important for me, as we commemorated D-Day, to be able to participate in the Friends of Christiansburg meeting. I reflected on those who died to preserve our unique freedoms. We are able to care openly about our communities. We are free to vote. We are able to inform local government about how we want our neighborhoods and town to develop.

When you are asked to join in a neighborhood network to support town planning, use your energy and your heart to participate and share ideas. We all can attend Town Council to let them know our concerns. We have the responsibility to use our freedom effectively. The quality of life in Christiansburg must be cared for by the energy of its townspeople.

Our community is blessed with a wonderful environment. We must take seriously our role in nurturing our community's development. Chaotic economic pursuits are not only the fault of town government. We share that responsibility by not letting elected and appointed officials know how many of us are concerned.

The Friends of Christiansburg, members of emerging neighborhood networks, next meet on Thursday, June 23, at 7 p.m., in the Regional Library. Pledge your time that evening to think with neighbors about how we can care for our town.

Are you concerned about the plans to widen Virginia 114? Come join the Route 114 Citizens Network that will meet Tuesday, June 21, at 7:30 p.m. in the Belmont Community Center.

John L. Hess

Christiansburg