Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, August 25, 1994 TAG: 9408250092
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: MELISSA DeVAUGHN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
The session resembled a pep rally as Bosher garnered cheers, applause and a standing ovation.
"Young people today will do what we expect of them," Bosher said. "That can be nothing or that can be a lot. We should expect a lot."
B.J. Mullins, president of the Montgomery County Education Association, was pleased with the turnout and the high spirits of the teachers present.
"I'm looking forward to getting started - I think everybody is," Mullins said. "I think we have some good momentum to start off the year."
Classes begin Monday.
In his address, Bosher challenged the school system to meet five objectives during the school year. They are:
Maintain a safe educational environment for both teachers and students. Bosher, who previously was school superintendent in Henrico County, saw 120 incidents of guns, knives or drugs in the schools there last year.
"That needs to stop," he said. "No child can learn in an environment like that and no teacher can effectively teach."
Improve technology on all grade levels.
"I still have chalk stains in my suits when I should have wrinkles from the ... discs in my pockets," Bosher said. "This is simply a new generation of chalkboards."
Pursue a rigorous academic program for all pupils and students. An enhanced self-esteem will follow, he said
"An enhanced self-concept is not something you learn," Bosher said. "It is learning to do something. We need to teach young people basic skills - I don't want to teach them to feel good about living in the projects, I want to teach them how to get out of the projects."
Encourage community involvement in public schools. Bosher pointed out that only 30 percent of all households include children.
"That leaves 70 percent of the people who help pay for our schools - they should be involved too," Bosher said.
Plan for the future of generations to come.
"For every one of you, the most important institution is not the school," Bosher said. "It's the family. We can't do it all for them, but let's do it for us."
Bosher was well-respected in his field before he became state superintendent, having served as coach, teacher, principal and superintendent since graduating from the University of Richmond in 1968. He has received countless awards, including superintendent of the year, Executive Educator 100, distinguished almunus and administrator of the year. His list of community service accomplishments is just as long.
by CNB