ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, January 10, 1997 TAG: 9701100101
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
The winter's first snow and ice storm likely will cause another short summer vacation for Roanoke County students.
If the county's schools are closed one more day this winter because of snow and ice, the county will begin the next school year before Labor Day.
County schools have already been closed three days this school year because of bad weather. Another day will qualify the county for a state waiver to open before Labor Day.
The School Board voted Thursday night to apply for a waiver, assuming that the county will be eligible before winter is over.
"I think it's almost certain we'll miss another day," said Thomas Leggette, a board member.
School officials said an earlier opening makes it easier to make up missed days and still preserve spring break for students.
The county and Salem began this school year before Labor Day, but Roanoke did not.
James Gallion, assistant superintendent, said a locality can qualify for a waiver from the state ban on a pre-Labor Day opening if it has missed an average of eight days for bad weather during five of the past 10 years.
The county missed 13 days during the 1995-96 school year and 14 days in 1993-94, but only five days in 1992-93.
On another matter, Michael Stovall, newly elected board chairman, said he plans to have a series of meetings with individuals and groups in the county to discuss school issues during the next two months.
Stovall said he will invite county residents to tell him what's on their minds about education and the county's school-building needs.
Stovall, the Vinton District member, was the unanimous choice to succeed Leggette.
He promised that he would work to improve communication between the Board of Supervisors and county voters.
Stovall said he realizes there are critics of the school system and some people may oppose a plan for school improvements, but he looks forward to talking with them.
"I have never shied away from listening to what a person has to say and will continue to be available to answer or find an answer to questions," he said.
One of the first issues facing Stovall will be a report from a residents committee that has been studying school-building needs.
Superintendent Deanna Gordon told the board that the schools may face an increase of at least $500,000 in operating costs during the next school year because of additions or renovations at Fort Lewis Elementary, Northside Middle and William Byrd High.
She said the schools will have higher utility costs and other additional expenses.
Gordon also asked board members to consider the possibility of reducing class sizes in kindergarten and first grade. If the board decides to have smaller classes, it will mean higher costs, she said.
Salary raises for teachers and other school employees will also be a large item in the new budget that school officials are working on, Gordon said.
Also, the board approved the hiring of two additional special education teachers and three additional instructional assistants during this school year because of an increase in special education enrollment. The teachers will be assigned to Glenvar and W.C. Cundiff elementary schools. The instructional assistants will work at Glen Cove, Glenvar and Oak Grove elementary schools.
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