Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, July 14, 1995 TAG: 9507140072
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Jerry Canada is the new chairman of the Roanoke County School Board, succeeding Frank Thomas, who held the post for 11 years.
Canada, the Hollins District member, was the unanimous choice Thursday night when Thomas declined to seek re-election as chairman because he will leave the board in December.
Thomas said he believed it would be better to give up the post now so he can provide whatever help he can during the next months in the transition to a new chairman.
Canada, 45, vice chairman for the past year and a member for 31/2 years, said he was humbled. "I feel like I am replacing a legend," he said. "The citizens and children of Roanoke County owe a debt to Frank Thomas.
"If someone had told me three or four years ago that I would replace Frank Thomas, I would have taken a second look at them to see if they needed some kind of help."
Thomas, the Catawba District member, has said he will not run in November to keep his seat because of the time demands of his work as vice president of Thomas Bros. Inc., an excavating business.
Canada, manager of the Roanoke branch of the state Department of Motor Vehicles, was unopposed last year when he won a new term.
Of the five members on the board when county voters decided to switch to an elected board in 1993, Canada is the only one who has run to keep his seat. The other four declined to run.
Canada is married and the father of two children who have attended county schools. He has been active in the Parent-Teacher Association and the band boosters club at Northside High School.
Michael Stovall, the Vinton District member, was chosen vice chairman. Stovall is a private investigator and former Vinton police officer.
On other issues, the board:
Was told that revisions have been made in the design and plans that might lower the cost for a new gymnasium at Northside Middle School that will also serve Northside High School. Architects still estimate that a 2,250-seat gymnasium, auditorium and four classrooms could cost $4 million or more, but school officials are hoping the bids will be lower. The gymnasium will be used for Northside High's basketball games. Homer Duff, director of facilities and operations, said the plans should be finished by fall. If the bids are higher than the project's $3.3 million budget, the board could ask the Board of Supervisors for more money or eliminate the auditorium and classrooms.
Was advised that the $1.3 million renovation of the Fort Lewis Elementary School will include a gymnasium, cafeteria and four more classrooms.
Was told that the county continues to rank among the top school divisions in the state in student scores on reading and math on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. The county's scores were above national and state averages in all categories for tests that were administered in March 1995, said Joseph Kyle, director of testing. The test scores for subjects by county students in some grades were in the 80th percentile. National and state averages are in the 50th percentile.
Revised the student conduct code to require that all students who bring weapons to school be expelled for at least one year, in keeping with a new state law. James Gallion, assistant superintendent, said the law has been expanded to include explosive devices and other dangerous objects.
by CNB