Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 1, 1995 TAG: 9506010057
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: MELISSA DeVAUGHN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
His an- nouncement came just two weeks before the application deadline.
LeDoux will run for the District E seat, held by Lou Herrmann. One other candidate, Victor Sheppard, is seeking that same seat.
"I'm a pro-phonics person," said LeDoux, who if elected, said he would push for a back-to-basics type of instruction. "Teaching reading through the use of phonics is less costly and more effective. I am fundamentally convinced it's the way to teach reading."
LeDoux said that he is seeking a seat on the board after months of consideration, but that he was not recruited by the Christian Coalition or any particular political party. School Board races are nonpartisan, but candidates may be endorsed by political parties.
"I'm a Christian, and I prayed, saying if I got confirmation to run, then I'd do it," LeDoux said. "I had three people in two days ask me about it and that was my confirmation."
Besides using phonics to teach young children, LeDoux said he supports higher teacher salaries - including merit pay for teachers, a reduction of overhead costs, increased parental involvement and a sex-education program that encourages abstinence.
"Kids need encouragement," he said. "We need to get the parents involved, turn that TV off and spend some time with them." LeDoux wants higher academic standards and more homework for students.
LeDoux said he is staunch believer in keeping education local - "I'm completely against the Goals 2000 federal program - we've got enough brains to know what's good for our children."
In fact, said LeDoux, he thinks federal involvement in education is unconstitutional.
"I think we can even do without state aid," he added.
LeDoux, 71, and his wife, Elizabeth, have eight grown children and 11 grandchildren. Three of those grandchildren attend Montgomery County Schools.
Three other seats are up for grabs in November's elections - District B, held by Bob Goncz of Christiansburg; and two Blacksburg Districts. District F is held by Dick Edwards and Peggy Arrington fills the District G seat.
by CNB