THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, January 31, 1995 TAG: 9501310008
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
The Virginia Beach School Board's response to the conviction of one of its sitting members, Charles W. Vincent, on charges of illegally soliciting money from firms awarded contracts by the board is completely unsatisfactory.
The seemingly rigged tie vote Jan. 17 on the motion asking Mr. Vincent to step down pending final resolution of his case stands in stark contrast to the board's own long-standing policy and practice in cases where public-school teachers were accused of wrongdoing. Teachers, with few exceptions, are immediately suspended from their duties in such cases, often without pay.
I believe the School Board is obligated to apply the same standards to its own members that it applies to teachers in this kind of situation. The Virginia Beach Education Association, which strongly supported, both politically and financially, the recent election of Mr. Vincent, is also obligated to take a public stand on this regrettable situation. The revelation that Mr. Vicnent's ``doctorate'' was awarded by a California cult, apparently without legal standing to issue such a degree, puts Mr. Vincent's qualifications and credentials under another troubling cloud.
The School Board vote on the motion that Mr. Vincent vacate his seat amazingly included six abstentions. Mr. Vincent's own vote was one of the two votes against the motion.
Article 22.1-75 of the Virginia Code requires that the School Board vote again on the motion at its next meeting. The public will expect the board to pass the motion asking Mr. Vincent to step down.
REX SMALLIE
Virginia Beach, Jan. 22, 1995 by CNB