Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 4, 1995 TAG: 9505040069
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
If Roanoke County voters wanted change when they opted for an elected School Board, they got it - without having to oust anyone.
When Chairman Frank Thomas leaves at the end of the year, four of the five members who were on the board when the switch was made will be gone.
Only Vice Chairman Jerry Canada will remain. He is the only incumbent who chose to run to keep his seat.
Thomas' pending departure has focused attention on the rapid change on a board that had been known for its longevity and stability.
In the past decade, there has been frequent turnover on the Roanoke School Board, but the Roanoke County board experienced little change.
Thomas, a board member for 12 years and chairman for 10, said he won't run in November because of the time demands of his job as vice president of Thomas Bros. Inc., an excavation business.
"The School Board is not a job," said Thomas, who represents the Catawba Magisterial District. "It does not pay the bills. It was taking more and more time to be a board member."
Thomas, who opposed the switch to an elected board, also said he didn't have the time to run a campaign.
County Supervisor Harry Nickens, a former School Board member, said Thomas "has brought experience, a style, a temperament to the board. His contributions will be lasting."
He predicts that the School Board will take on a new personality. "You will have, in essence, a new board with limited experience," Nickens said.
Last December, the five board members collectively had 44 years of experience. A year later, the members will have six years of experience.
Two will be new, and two will have one year each. Canada will be the senior member, with almost four years on the board.
Supervisor Ed Kohinke said he had hoped Thomas would run for at least one more term so he could guide the elected board for four years and oversee the planning for a new Cave Spring High School.
"I wasn't surprised, but I was disappointed by his decision," Kohinke said.
"With all five members elected, I'm sure there will be more change, but I am not sure it will be good or bad."
Some supervisors said the elected board is likely to question school administrators more frequently and lobby more aggressively for school funds.
Supervisor Bob Johnson said he isn't worried about the inexperience of the School Board.
"I think they have a good cadre of people on the board. I am confident that county voters will elect good people," Johnson said. "The people voted for an elected board, and now they have that chance."
Johnson said he doesn't consider Thomas to be the political type and he wasn't surprised by his decision.
Supervisor Lee Eddy said he isn't concerned, either, about the rapid turnover on the board. "I think the School Board will be fine," he said.
Supervisors' Chairman Fuzzy Minnix said some people have encouraged Thomas to reconsider his decision, but he doubts Thomas will run.
"I don't believe that a lot of people in the county realize how much time he has put in and how much he has done for the county," Minnix said. "I am personally very, very sorry to see him go."
Canada said Thomas' departure will be a loss for the board and school system. "You can't replace 10 years as chairman. You can't replace his experience and knowledge," he said.
Canada is considered a possible successor as chairman, but he said it's too early to say if he would be willing to accept the post. "I've got to check out some things before I could commit to being chairman."
County voters elected board members in three districts last year: Canada in Hollins, Thomas Leggette in Windsor Hills and Michael Stovall in Vinton. They will choose members this year in the Catawba and Cave Spring districts.
Maurice "Buck" Mitchell, who has represented the Cave Spring District for six years, has announced that he would not be a candidate in November.
by CNB