THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 4, 1995 TAG: 9508020169
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Vanee Vines
LENGTH: Medium: 78 lines
The School Board met for its annual summer retreat in Williamsburg last week. Here's a brief look at some of the issues discussed: Character and values
At the urging of the Rev. Charles H. Bowens II, the board said it would investigate ``character education'' programs used in a number of school districts across the country.
The programs vary, but most stress the teaching of basic values - such as honesty, responsibility, citizenship and tolerance. Schools already transfer values in many ways - from the content of textbooks to classroom rules. However, some districts have distinct programs or classes for that purpose.
Bowens, reappointed to the board this year, asked the administration to look into such programs last year. But the staff never fully explored the matter, Superintendent Richard D. Trumble said, adding that he, too, would renew the effort to learn more about the programs. Wanted: public support
In discussions about community elementary schools, a key theme emerged: The district must come up with new ways to enlist the support of more citizens while encouraging principals to seek closer partnerships with local businesses.
The board also reiterated its goal to ``improve courtesy, professionalism and customer focus in every office that deals with the public.''
After a nudge from the board, the administration recently organized a group of parents to call district offices - including those in schools - and evaluate secretaries' telephone etiquette. Secretaries who earn two ``dissatisfaction'' ratings receive additional quality training, Board Vice Chairman James Bridgeford said.
The board hasn't said what should be done if a secretary continuously scores poor marks. Maintenance woes
Trumble reviewed maintenance needs and again stressed the importance of educating citizens and City Council members about the condition of Portsmouth's public schools.
In the past, when the district was low on funds, it typically dipped into its maintenance budget and funneled the money into instructional programs. In recent years, the lion's share of money for capital improvements has been squirreled away for two high schools: first for construction of a new Churchland High, which opened in 1992, and now for construction of a new I.C. Norcom High.
The district maintains most buildings on a ``crisis basis,'' Trumble said, meaning that little, if anything, preventive is done routinely because there's seldom any money to pay for it.
Trumble encouraged the board to think about the future approval of an independent, school-maintenance study, similar to a 1991 study that uncovered up to $85 million in needed maintenance work. The board plans to spell out maintenance and other needs at its next joint meeting with the council.
The city, also cash-strapped, cut its share for local schools by $1 million for the 1995-96 year. Trumble to stay?
Minutes before board members left Sunday's meeting, Trumble, making a few final comments, said, ``I'll be here until I'm too old, too deaf, whatever. I'm planning to be here for a long, long time.''
The comments apparently were intended to reassure board members that he wasn't in the market for a new job. Trumble, hired in 1990, recently applied for the superintendency in East Baton Rouge Parish, La. He didn't make the final cut, however.
Trumble received a 4.5 percent pay raise for the 1995-96 fiscal year, bringing his salary to $111,193.20. He received the same percentage increase last year, according to the terms of his contract. On average, district workers received a 2 percent raise for 1995-96. Trumble's contract expires in two years. by CNB