ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, May 1, 1996 TAG: 9605010051
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
Carter Effler
Occupation: Supervisor in charge of billing, Carilion Consultative Laboratory, Roanoke
Education: Attended Bluefield College; graduated from Radford Community Hospital School of Medical Technology
Age: 53
Family: Married to Janet; father of three grown children who went through Radford schools
Community Involvement: Member of the Radford Lions Club; served on the board for New River Valley Detention Home, served as chairman of the committee that set up Radford's family life curriculum; served as a trustee and board member for Central United Methodist Church; volunteered as an athletic trainer for Radford High School.
Issues: After serving six years on the board, from 1989 to 1995, Effler said there's still more to be done, and he wants to play a part. That includes the repair and renovation of schools that "needs long-range work. Asbestos that needs to be removed as well," he said.
That also includes keeping pupil-teacher ratios low and attracting - and keeping - quality staff with competitive salaries. Like candidate Roberta Nester, Effler said the board needs to consider alternative scheduling for the high school. But they shouldn't act too hastily. "Radford's going at the right pace. We do not step into change rapidly, especially when we can watch other counties," he said.
Also, Effler said the schools need to be more involved with vocational education and utilize community colleges better for that type of training.
Chris Harrison
Occupation: Co-owner of American Benefits Corporate Planning Group, an employee benefits firm.
Education: Bachelor of arts, Virginia Tech; master's in business administration, Radford University.
Age: 42
Family: Married to Linda; father of Jessica, 9, who attends Belle Heth Elementary School, and Jon, 5.
Community involvement: Serves as finance chairman for the Wesley Foundation; serves on the board of trustees for Grove United Methodist Church; member of the Pulaski Kiwanis Club
Issues: The best way to get involved with schools, Harrison said, is to serve on the School Board. "It's one of the most important functions in the city. It really manages most of the city's budget."
That's where his expertise in finances could come in handy, he said. Not only could he identify problems or come up with alternative costs for educational programs, he could help persuade the city to finance them.
The board needs to sell educational initiatives to the community and the council. Two examples Harrison said were imperative are school building repairs and additional computers and other technology.
School Board members also should connect with school employees within the schools. Harrison said he likes to read Dr. Seuss books to his son's class. "I think the School Board should be involved that way."
Roberta Nester
Occupation: A registered nurse, Nester is a case manager for Home-Health Plus, a department of Radford Community Hospital.
Education: Bachelor of science, Virginia Commonwealth University-Medical College of Virginia
Age: 38
Family: Married to Terry; mother of two sons: David, 11, attends The Achievement Center in Roanoke; Sean, 9, attends McHarg Elementary School.
Community involvement: member of the PTA organizations at McHarg and The Achievement Center; Sunday school teacher, Grace Episcopal Church; assistant den leader for a Cub Scout troop.
Issues: The main purpose of a school board, Nester said, is to develop long-range plans for curriculum. One of the most important issues to address is planning for an all-day kindergarten.
At the high school level, Nester said an additional class period should be provided for students who want to take more than six classes each year.
She said alternative scheduling such as block scheduling could be considered. One form of block, called four-by-four, replaces the normal, six or seven periods that last all year with four, longer periods each semester.
As far as the budget - which had to be cut this year by $1.5 million to meet City Council appropriations - Nester said more communication there couldn't hurt.
LENGTH: Medium: 86 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (headshots) Effler, Harrison, Nester KEYWORDS: POLITICS SCHOOL BOARDby CNB