Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 2, 1994 TAG: 9407040124
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
His views on education are likely to get more attention now that he has become chairman of the Roanoke School Board.
Harris was the unanimous choice Friday to succeed Charles Day, a retired principal and teacher who has been chairman for one year.
Until a few days ago, Day had given no indication that he wanted another one-year term as chairman, said Marilyn Curtis, who was elected vice chairwoman. By then, Harris had won the support of other board members, she said.
Some board members were willing to support Curtis, the senior member. But Curtis, who has been on the board for six years, declined, saying she might not have time that is needed for the post. She agreed to be vice chairwoman.
Harris, minister of the Ridgewood Baptist Church, lost a bid for City Council in May. But he plans to concentrate on schools during the next year.
Harris, who will be 30 next month, said he expects a smooth transition as he assumes the chairman's duties.
New board members Marsha Ellison and John Saunders attended their first meeting. They replace James Turner Jr., who was ineligible for another term, and Wendy O'Neil, who wasn't reappointed to a second term.
Harris said he wants the board to function as a team in addressing issues that arise in the next year.
Harris promised to articulate the needs of the school system and press for more money if it is needed. He wants school officials to vigorously pursue federal grants for school programs.
He expects the board will continue to give attention to the problem of drugs and weapons in school. The School Board has expelled 10 students in recent months for violating the ban on drugs and weapons.
"I expect we will have more discussion on discipline and alternative education in [the coming year]. I expect that will be considered," Harris said.
The school system is expected to hire a new principal-administrator soon for the alternative education program for troubled youngsters. The three finalists for the job come from outside the Roanoke Valley.
Harris said he also wants the board to give more attention to teachers' salaries and try to make them competitive with nearby localities. Salem's salaries are higher than Roanoke's, and Roanoke County's salaries are higher in some categories.
On another matter, the board was told that the cost of renovating Wasena Elementary School will be $900,000 higher than estimated.
Architects had predicted the project would cost about $2.4 million, but the low bid was $3.3 million by Nielsen Construction Co. in Harrisonburg.
Richard Kelley, assistant superintendent for operations, said the bids were higher than expected because state regulations will require larger classrooms than anticipated.
The School Board will seek a larger loan from the state Literary Fund for school construction and renovation projections. City Council will be asked to approve the request for a larger loan.
The board's decision to award a contract for Wasena is contingent on council approval of the larger loan.
The Wasena renovation is the last in a series of seven projects to renovate elementary schools in several areas in the city.
by CNB