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

DATE: TUESDAY, August 9, 1994                   TAG: 9408090095
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SCHOOL BOARD HOPEFUL HAS PARTIES' SUPPORT

He is the second announced candidate in Windsor Hills, and there are two other potential candidates.

Like other candidates, Leggette is running as an independent, because there is no provision in state law for the political parties to nominate candidates for school boards. To get on the November ballot, a candidate must file a petition with the signatures of 125 registered voters.

But Leggette, 46, is the first candidate to raise the partisan factor in opening a campaign. It is unusual for a candidate to have the endorsement of both Republican and Democratic leaders.

Leggette said he was recruited to run as an independent by Al Thomason, former chairman of the Roanoke County Republican Party. Leggette said he also has the endorsement of Hugh Key, current GOP chairman, and Dana Martin, chairman of the county Democratic Party.

Key confirmed Monday that he supports Leggette, but he said it is a personal endorsement and not the position of the Republican executive committee or the party.

"I don't know whether the party will endorse anyone," Key said.

Martin could not be reached for comment Monday.

Leggette said he has long been interested in county schools because he has two children, ages 13 and 9, but this is the first time he has sought elected office. His father was a teacher, and he has always been interested in education.

As a School Board member, Leggette said his top priority would be the academic quality of county schools. He wants the schools to be on a par with those in Northern Virginia.

Roanoke County needs to recruit and retain the best teachers, he said.

Leggette said he supports the construction of a new Cave Spring High School, an issue that is being debated by the School Board and Board of Supervisors.

Leggette said he is a newcomer to politics and he's still learning about the school board election, noting that this is the first time the county will elect board members.

Some parents in Windsor Hills don't think they have a voice on school issues and they favor an elected board, he said

Charlsie Pafford, who has represented Windsor Hills for 12 years, said earlier she would not be a candidate.

Raymond Denney, an employee of the state Department of Social Services, also has announced his candidacy, but he has not filed his petition.

The deadline is Aug. 26.