Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, October 20, 1994 TAG: 9412210025
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Lisa Merrill wanted the endorsement of teachers in her bid for a School Board seat. Richard Cullinan and Wayne Newman did not. Thomas Leggette got the endorsement, and he's glad.
The candidates spoke of the endorsement and other issues Monday during a forum sponsored by the parent-teacher association.
Merrill, a former teacher, said she was disappointed because she thought her teaching background and concern for children would help her get the support of the teachers group.
Cullinan didn't want the teachers' backing and refused to participate in the questioning and screening process by the Political Action Committee of the Roanoke County Education Association.
Cullinan, a former School Board member, said he feared that the endorsement would interject politics into the election. He said it could also cause a conflict of interest because he would have to vote on salaries for teachers.
Newman said he did not seek the endorsement because he did not want to be indebted to any group or individual.
The teachers could be the swing vote in a close election with four candidates running for the seat.
But, Leggette said he's glad to have the teachers' support despite the sniping from his opponents. He describes himself as a consensus builder who can help get badly needed funds for schools.
"We have plenty of plans for school improvements. What we need is more money," Leggette said.
Cullinan said he's seeking a seat because he wants to help ease the transition to an elected board and new Superintendent Deanna Gordon.
Newman said he is running because he believes that he can make a difference in the school system. The county has a good school system, but it needs to do a better job of preparing children for college and jobs, he said
Newman said he opposes tuition tax credits or vouchers because they would erode the finances for public schools. The credits would provide public funds to help pay the tuition of children who attend private schools.
Newman said that state money for county schools would decrease in a voucher system because it is based on enrollment.
Merrill blamed school officials for failing to adequately plan for school buildings in Southwest Roanoke County.
"We are moving children from one school to another based on the space that is available," said Merrill. "We need to place children in schools for educational reasons - not for space reasons."
Merrill said there is no excuse for the leaky roofs and overcrowding that exist in some schools. As a board member, Merrill said she will be an advocate for children.
If elected, Merrill said she would set aside one night each month to meet with parents who have concerns or questions about their children and schools.
by CNB