Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, May 5, 1995 TAG: 9505050067
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
Craig and Effler both have served six years on the School Board, which becomes an elective body next year. Last November, the city's voters approved the change to an elected board by a wide margin.
The deadline for City Council to accept candidates for appointment is at its public hearing Monday during its regular meeting. Mayor Tom Starnes said Thursday that interested candidates can write, call, appear in person or inform the City Clerk or a council member if they wish to be considered.
Council plans to interview all candidates at a special session sometime after its regular May 22 meeting, Starnes said.
Traditionally, City Council has appointed two School Board members from each of the city's three wards, holdovers from the era of neighborhood schools. That won't necessarily happen this time, City Attorney John "Bunny" Spiers said Thursday. Because the city is one school district, appointment or election by wards is not a legal requirement, he said.
The three-year appointments begin July 1.
Edwards said Thursday he thinks he could help out with some short-term problems facing the board. Pressed for a specific issue, Edward said he thinks the board's decision to sell the former Kuhn-Barnett Elementary School several years ago was shortsighted, now that the city faces increasing enrollments in the lower grades. He also pledged to be supportive of teachers.
In a letter seeking reappointment, Craig cited his activities on the Virginia School Boards Association's legislative committee and his contributions to school board policies. He also has been active in the Coalition for Equity and Funding in Virginia Schools, which has attempted to revise the way the state funds public education, especially for more rural districts.
Effler said he's enjoyed serving on the School Board and wants to continue so he can follow up on several pet issues, particularly classroom technology. Effler also cited his initiatives to establish a "zero period" at Radford High School and an in-school suspension program.
Spiers has filed plans with the U.S. Justice Department on the city's behalf calling for a five-member board, elected at large for four-year terms. Because of the history of past voter discrimination in Virginia, the Justice Department must approve any arrangement that affects how officials are elected in the commonwealth.
Earlier this year, City Council - at Spiers' recommendation - decided not to fill the School Board seat left vacant in December by the death of the Rev. George Ducker and to leave the board at five members because of the pending move to elections.
Spiers has said that under the elective system, the city must comply with state law requiring both City Council and the School Board to have the same number of members, chosen in the same manner and for identical terms.
Under the elected School Board plan council approved in February, voters pick two board members in 1996 and three in 1998.
Edwards said he doesn't plan to run for a seat on the School Board, even if he is appointed this time.
Craig, who opposed elected school boards, has said this will be his last term on the board if he is reappointed.
Effler said Thursday he had not decided whether to run for election if he is reappointed.
by CNB