Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 21, 1995 TAG: 9509210048
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: LISA APPLEGATE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
The board discussed adding another year to Herman Bartlett's contract in executive session but chose not to. His three-year contract now ends in 1997.
Bob Goncz, who represents the Ellett Valley, said adding another year is simply bad for business.
"It's the same thing I said a year ago when this came up - that it's fiscally not wise to have such long-term commitments," he said.
Last September, the board voted 5-4 to add another year to Bartlett's three-year contract. His contract allows the board to consider the extension each September.
In June, the board gave the superintendent a 1.2 percent pay raise. That show of support, Goncz said, hasn't changed.
"I still support the superintendent," Goncz said, "He has done some terrific things for this school system."
Board members refused to talk about specifics, saying the matter was discussed in executive session.
"Everyone had lots of different reasons," board member Peggy Arrington said. "There were concerns about pushing this contract farther along."
Arrington, who represents part of Blacksburg and is running in this fall's election against Virginia Tech professor Wat Hopkins, said she remains pleased with Bartlett's performance.
Mary Beth Dunkenberger, who began representing the Shawsville area this summer, said the decision in no way influences future plans.
"I have a boy starting school in a few years, and I'd liked to see some of the changes Dr. Bartlett has implemented in place for him," she said.
by CNB