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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 13, 1994                   TAG: 9407150031
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

NEW ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION DIRECTOR HIRED

Michael McIntosh, a Danville educator, has been hired to head Roanoke's alternative education program, which has been at the center of controversy recently with the suspension of its director.

McIntosh, the lead teacher in Danville's alternative education program, will become administrator of Roanoke's program on July 25

Roanoke School Superintendent Wayne Harris said Tuesday that McIntosh will provide a "fresh new perspective" for the program for troubled youngsters.

"He will build on what we have here," Harris said.

McIntosh has said he believes an alternative education program can help troubled students reconnect with school if the program is built on discipline, compassion and mutual respect for students and teachers.

The Danville program has been successful in returning many youngsters to regular classes, he said. "If you let them know you care, you can discipline them and they will respond."

McIntosh said he's no miracle worker, but he understands the youngsters who have gotten into trouble in regular classes.

Harris said McIntosh has the background and experience for the post. McIntosh has worked in federally funded programs for economically disadvantaged youngsters.

McIntosh was chosen from among the three finalists. The others were Rebecca Sears, a teacher and track coach in Giles County, and Donald Bullock, director of secondary education in Montgomery County.

Harris said Sears has been hired as the curriculum coordinator for the alternative education program. He said Sears will complement McIntosh's appointment.

The enrollment in alternative education varies, but up to 130 or more students usually attend one of the three alternatives: a regional program, a drop-in academy later in the day for older students and the city's regular program.

The search for an administrator has attracted attention because of the recent suspension of George Franklin, who has been director of alternative education. Franklin's suspension was overturned by the School Board, but his status with the program remains uncertain.

William Hackley, who was administrator of the program, has retired.

Franklin did not apply for the administrator's post because it required a master's degree, which he does not have.

by CNB