Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, June 19, 1995 TAG: 9506200100
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
She'll be driving down the street and see children standing at a bus stop, and think, "Oh, they're looking neat today."
And when the bus driver stops carefully, turns on the flashing lights and opens the bus door, "I'll say to myself, 'That is one of our safe drivers. He's doing a good job,''' she said.
Since becoming a member of the Roanoke School Board a year ago, Ellison has felt a responsibility for all of the city's schoolchildren.
She has two daughters, Stefanie, 15, and Caroline, 12, but she feels that all of the students have become almost part of an extended family.
"That surprised me. I have found myself embracing all of them," Ellison said.
But it was probably inevitable, given her love of children and her concern for city schools.
Her interest in being a School Board member begins and ends with the children. "My concern is the welfare of all the children. I take it seriously," she said.
For more than a decade, Ellison was a leader in the Parent-Teacher Association who got to know the school system, administrators, teachers and issues. She is a former president of the Central PTA Council.
She avoided controversy and worked quietly to build consensus on issues. She worked well with people. She quizzed school administrators at times, but she was never confrontational.
Now she is on the other side as a School Board member. But she hasn't changed.
"I'm on the listening end," Ellison said, adding that she has to consider all sides of issues, not just the PTA perspective.
But her background and experience help the board because she knows PTA leaders and facilities at each school, said John Saunders, a board member.
"She knows about all the schools. She can explain how board policy affects specific schools and programs," Saunders said. "Her extensive work in PTA is valuable."
Ellison, 43, replaced Wendy O'Neil, an outspoken and controversial member who was removed from the board by City Council after one term.
O'Neil sharply criticized school administrators at times. She opposed the controversial two-for-one pension plan for council members and top city administrators.
Council members said they were looking for less controversy on the board, but Ellison discourages comparison with O'Neil and won't comment on her predecessor's style.
"My nature is to be a consensus builder. I don't think you need to be in the limelight," she said. "I'm not out to get credit for anything. I do it for the kids."
Board Chairman Nelson Harris said Ellison asks many questions, but "does it in an appropriate way to get answers. She does not do it in a confrontational way."
Serving on the board requires a lot of time, but Ellison said she was prepared for it. Besides going to board meetings, she reads reports, visits schools and attends school activities, including graduations.
"I've gone to nine or 10 school events this spring. It takes time, but I enjoy it," she said.
Harris said Ellison has given the board more visibility in the schools.
"She attends many school programs and visits schools. She takes that seriously and it creates a better impression for the board," Nelson said. "That is important for principals, teachers, students and others."
During her first year, Ellison said she has not learned anything dramatic or surprising about the school system from the inside as a board member, but she has gained a better perspective on some issues.
She believes the school system is doing a good job overall, but it needs to lower the dropout rate. The city must also continue its effort to keep weapons out of schools and students safe, she said.
She believes that conduct codes for elementary, middle and high school students, adopted in the past year, have reduced violence and weapons. In the past year, there has been a 35 percent decrease in discipline cases involving drugs, weapons and assaults. And she supports the policy of expelling children who bring weapons to schools.
"I feel our students are safe," she said. "If I didn't, I wouldn't send my two children to school every day."
Ellison also said that the school system needs to raise teachers' salaries closer to the national average.
Standardized test scores are up in city schools, but Ellison said "that is something we need to work on and give attention to."
In the past year, city scores increased on seven of the nine indicators in the state's Outcome Accountability Project testing. Students also did better on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. But there was a decline in the percentage of sixth-graders passing all three parts of the state's Literacy Passport Test.
Ellison said the school system's reduction in class sizes, especially in elementary grades, should help improve test scores. Using state school disparity funds, the city has lowered class sizes in early elementary grades to 18 or fewer pupils in some schools with high concentrations of children from low-income households.
Harris said Ellison has been a driving force behind the scenes to continue decreases in class sizes in all schools.
"She was on the phone to board members pushing for smaller classes," Harris said.
Ellison is impressed with Superintendent Wayne Harris. "He listens. He answers. He's firm in his beliefs and resolve," she said. "Yet, he is willing to compromise."
She likes his philosophy that all children can succeed if they have the opportunity. Ellison supports his emphasis on technology and the long-range plan for upgrading educational technology.
She was surprised by the controversy over the plan to demolish part of the Stonewall Jackson Middle School as part of a $6 million modernization project. She said everyone knew that the school was going to be renovated and that the plans had long called for part of the building to be razed.
Ellison is a team player and works well with other board members, Chairman Nelson Harris said.
Saunders said he has found Ellison to be open and objective. "She considers each issue on its merit. I enjoy working with someone like that," he said.
MARSHA ELLISON\ Roanoke School Board member
Age: 43
Home State: New Jersey
Education: Hollins College, bachelor's degree in religious studies.
Professional: Former merchandising executive for a group of department stores and a former administrative assistant for a construction company.
Community: Former president of the Roanoke Central PTA Council; various positions with the Raleigh Court Elementary School, Woodrow Wilson Middle School and Patrick Henry High School PTAs; former president of the Roanoke branch of the American Association of University Women; member of Covenant Presbyterian Church.
Family: Married, husband, Jim; two daughters, Stefanie, 15, and Caroline,
Quote: "I think we try to treat all groups of children the same. I don't think that we tip the balance or favor one group over the other with better and more programs."
by CNB