ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, December 11, 1996 TAG: 9612110059
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
Superintendent Wayne Harris will remain head of Roanoke schools for another four years.
Harris has reached an agreement with the School Board on a new contract that will keep him in Roanoke at least until 2001.
Chairwoman Marsha Ellison said Tuesday night the board has unanimously decided to offer the superintendent a new contract and will vote on it next month.
Ellison did not disclose the details, but another board member said the contract will not contain an early retirement and consultant agreement such as the controversial one for former Superintendent Frank Tota.
Tota's final contract included a provision that provided him with a $35,000 annual consultant fee for seven years after he retired.
Harris, a Salem native, has been superintendent since July 1, 1993, when he came to Roanoke from Fairfax County where he was an area superintendent.
"He has provided outstanding leadership as our superintendent," Ellison said. "He has created a clear vision for our school system and student achievement has improved."
She cited several new programs that Harris has started and awards that the school system has received since he became superintendent.
Ellison said Harris has raised teachers' salaries, upgraded technology, developed standards for student conduct and set measurable goals in academics, attendance and other areas.
Harris said he looks forward to another four years as superintendent. "I feel the same excitement that I did four years ago when I signed the first contract."
Board member Harry Davis said some false information apparently is being circulated about the negotiations with Harris on a new contract. Davis said Harris never asked for a $60,000 pay raise as some teachers apparently think. "He never made such a request."
Harris' salary this year is $111,376, an increase of $16,376, or 17.2 percent, since he became superintendent. He received a 7 percent raise this year, the same as the average increase for teachers. He also receives other benefits, including an annuity and car allowance.
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