ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, November 9, 1996 TAG: 9611110098
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: RADFORD
SOURCE: LISA APPLEGATE STAFF WRITER
A 6 percent pay raise for teachers, a school-space study, additional aides and several $400 band uniforms were among the requests that kicked off the Radford School Board's budget deliberations Thursday night.
The board voted unanimously to renew Superintendent Michael Wright's contract for another four years, to the year 2001. At that announcement, the audience of teachers and administrators applauded the superintendent, who has headed the system for eight years.
The board has about two months to prepare a budget and submit it to City Council. The public can comment on it at the board's next meeting on Nov. 21.
Representatives of the Radford Education Association requested the 6 percent increase, saying it would better reflect increases around the state.
"We're in a 3 percent rut and have been since 1991," said teacher Ralph Arthur. "That's about a cost of living raise and I feel like we're falling back a bit."
The teachers' group, along with the McHarg Elementary PTA and the special education advisory committee, requested more teacher aides for all the schools.
Teacher Ann Baker cited a survey in which a majority of teachers said aides were "very much needed" to help with clerical duties and to relieve them of lunchtime duties. Just under half of the 130 teachers responded.
The board agreed later in the meeting to hire an assistant for the new computer lab at McHarg Elementary School.
Bruce Chase, president of the McHarg PTA, reminded the board that the school is 40 years old this year. Chase proposed that the board include a school-space study to evaluate renovation and new facility needs. More space, he said, could allow all-day kindergarten, a request made by parents each year.
The Radford Band Boosters continued its plea for additional funds, requesting $68,000 in instrument repairs, new uniforms, music and an assistant band director.
LENGTH: Short : 44 linesby CNB