THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, November 1, 1994 TAG: 9411010326
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B01 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ELIZABETH THIEL, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Medium: 58 lines
After 15 years at the helm of Chesapeake public schools, Superintendent C. Fred Bateman stunned the School Board Monday night by announcing his retirement.
Bateman, 54, said he would join the faculty of Old Dominion University as a professor in the education department, after his retirement becomes effective July 31.
Bateman said he was too emotionally drained to provide more details Monday night.
``I have real mixed emotions about this,'' he said. ``But I have a real opportunity over at ODU to do something special.''
His news, which came as a shock to all but the School Board chairman and some staff members, signals the end of an era for fast-growing Chesapeake. Bateman has by far the most longevity of school superintendents around South Hampton Roads.
``You've been a tower of strength,'' said board Chairman Jessie Lee Jr. ``We will miss you.''
Lee directed the clerk of the board to schedule a meeting next week to begin discussing plans for a replacement search.
Bateman said he would help with the transition.
He praised the city and its residents, who he said place a high value on public schools.
``That's been a great pleasure.''
He acknowledged that his leaving would affect school system employees, who have grown accustomed to stability.
``I regret that very deeply,'' he said.
``There's so much a part of me here in this school system.''
But his decision was personal, he said, stemming from ``just looking ahead in life.''
Under Bateman's leadership, the Chesapeake school system has pursued an aggressive building program to keep up with spiraling student enrollment. He also has pushed hard to add technology in schools.
Bateman was named 1993 superintendent of the year by the Virginia Music Educators Association for his support of music education. He plays the trombone.
He began his career as an eighth-grade social studies teacher in Lynchburg.
Bateman arrived in Chesapeake in 1976, after serving as principal of a middle school in Richmond.
He started in Chesapeake as an assistant superintendent for finance, then quickly moved up to deputy superintendent.
He has been in Chesapeake for 19 of his 33 years as a public educator. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
C. Fred Bateman
by CNB