Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 15, 1995 TAG: 9506150047
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
William A. Irvin III is generally satisfied with county schools, too, but believes the board needs to look at ways to improve them and ensure that money is spent effectively.
Brown and Irvin have become candidates for the board in the Nov. 7 election, having filed petitions by Tuesday's deadline to get on the ballot.
Brown, 42, is running for the Catawba District seat; Irvin, 45, is a candidate in the Cave Spring District.
The other candidates are Marion Roark and John Reed in Catawba and Carol White and Vern Jordahl in Cave Spring.
Both Brown and Irvin have school-age children and have long been interested in county schools.
Brown, owner of Aztec Rental Center in Salem, said he decided to run after Frank Thomas, longtime board chairman from the Catawba District, announced that he would not be a candidate.
"I feel the school system is in good shape," Brown said. "I'd like to see them continue in the way they are going. I didn't know who might get in there and change the direction."
Brown, who has six children, said he decided it was time for him to get involved and help retain the quality of the school system.
"I'd like to see us improve on what we are doing," he said. "I think we are doing things right now."
A graduate of Glenvar High School and Virginia Tech, Brown said he would try to protect the interests of the Catawba and Glenvar communities if he is elected. Residents in the district sometimes believe they are neglected and slighted compared with other areas, he said.
"I'd watch out for the district," Brown said.
Irvin, an insurance salesman with Equitable Life, has served on several school committees in recent years. He was a board applicant under the appointed system.
Irvin has worked with Superintendent Deanna Gordon and several other administrators on committees on the six-year plan for the schools and other issues.
A graduate of East Tennessee State University, Irvin said that his financial background in banking and insurance would be helpful on the board.
Irvin said he believes the schools should try to spend more on instructional services.
Maurice "Buck" Mitchell, who has represented the Cave Spring District for six years, is not running. He said he does not have time to run a campaign.
As a board member, Irvin said he would try to get the views of school administrators, teachers, parents and students on issues.
Irvin, who has two children in school, said he hasn't formed an opinion on whether the county needs one or two high schools in southern Roanoke County.
Consultants are studying the issue, and sentiment appears split.
Irvin said Cave Spring High is overcrowded and something needs to be done. School officials have discussed the possibility of a new high school that would accommodate 2,000 students, but others have suggested building two smaller high schools.
Irvin, who grew up in the Roanoke Valley, also has been active in Boy Scouts and other youth programs.
He said his work schedule provides the flexibility that would allow him to visit the schools and perform other board duties.
by CNB