ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, August 6, 1996 TAG: 9608060088
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
BUT A RETIRED BANKER says the board needs a financial adviser.
Joe Nash has won the support of the Roanoke Education Association in his bid for a seat on the School Board, and Harry Davis has gained the backing of a retired banker and a businessman.
The teachers' group says Nash is in touch with education issues because he has children in schools, said Gary Stultz, REA president and teacher at Fallon Park Elementary.
"We recommend Mr. Nash because we feel he is the best candidate for the position," Stultz told City Council on Monday at a public hearing to get residents' views on the two applicants.
He said Nash's management experience as a fleet supervisor with Adams Construction Co. also would be valuable on the Board.
Nash, who ran unsuccessfully as an independent candidate for council in May, was backed by the teachers' organization in that campaign as well.
Byron Hicks said Davis has a financial background that would be beneficial for the school system.
Davis, vice president for investments for Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., is knowledgeable about school finances, said Hicks, who was once chairman of the former Dominion Bankshares. Davis performed school audits when he worked for a national accounting firm, Hicks said.
Sigmund Davidson, a clothing store owner, said Davis has been active in a broad range of civic and educational organizations. Davidson said he has observed Davis as a member of the board of directors of Literacy Volunteers in the Roanoke Valley, helping teach adults to read.
"This is a man who has knowledge and experience in education," Davidson said.
Nash and Davis are seeking the board seat that was vacated by Nelson Harris when he was elected recently to City Council. Two years remain in Harris' unexpired term.
Council will make the selection Aug.19.
Russell Hawkins urged council to appoint Nash, saying school boards need more parents who are involved in their children's education.
Hawkins said council is faced with a choice between a professional financial adviser and a family man who has management experience.
"There is a need for more parental involvement in schools, and here we have a family man who is involved," said Hawkins, publisher of a children's magazine.
Shirley Wheeler said Davis has experience with schools because he has a grown daughter. Davis favors smaller classes, supports teachers, and would work to improve schools, she said.
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (headshots) Nash, Davis. color.by CNB