THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 10, 1995 TAG: 9509100044
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ALETA PAYNE, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium: 59 lines
The only declared candidate for superintendent of schools is the man holding the job on an interim basis - James L. Pughsley.
In the position barely two months, he's already been put to some tough leadership tests: a $7.4 million deficit inherited from last fiscal year and a devastating school fire. It's the type of challenge that could make or break his chances.
Conventional wisdom indicates that, so far, he's been equal to the task and that his performance in handling the budget mess has only bolstered his reputation for integrity and forthrightness.
``He's done an excellent job,'' School Board Chairwoman June T. Kernutt said.
It was Pughsley who tackled the difficult task of publicly informing the School Board and City Council that the district had come up millions of dollars short. He promised both groups a thorough investigation and answers to their questions.
``You may not hear what you want to hear. But you'll hear,'' he pledged.
He has scored points with city officials, too, by stepping up to field hard questions even when the answers reveal mistakes made within the district.
``I really have been impressed by the way he's put these tough issues on the table, and at the same time he's addressing them, getting them fixed and making sure they don't happen again,'' Vice Mayor William D. Sessoms Jr. said. ``I think when someone comes in in a difficult situation, that's a major test. The board is going to be able to judge his performance in tough times.''
The interim superintendent took over when his former boss, Sidney L. Faucette, left in early July for a job in Georgia.
Pughsley came to the district as deputy superintendent in 1993, immediately winning a reputation as a straight-shooter who speaks only when he has something of value to say.
He earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Arizona and spent the bulk of his career with the Clark County, Nevada, schools. Pughsley served for two years as superintendent of the Monroe City Schools in Louisiana.
``Many people in our community are still disappointed that he left,'' said Vickie Dayton, a Louisiana board member. ``He has a way about him. You feel very confident in his actions.''
Some in the Beach community have suggested that the board cancel the nationwide search for a new superintendent and bring Pughsley in to finish out the two years remaining on Faucette's contract. Kernutt said the board has not discussed suspending the search, but they could bring it up ``at any time.''
For his part, Pughsley says getting the district's books in line is the work at hand, and any boost to his image is merely incidental.
``I'm not trying to hurt myself. I'm not trying to make any gains either. I have a job to do.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
James L. Pughsley.
by CNB