THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, December 16, 1995 TAG: 9512160007
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Medium: 61 lines
It's been a rough year for Virginia Beach public schools. They are operating without a superintendent, have been rocked by budget shortfalls and now face a grand jury investigation. Stable leadership is badly needed.
The board has been seeking a new superintendent and has narrowed the field to three candidates. The legal deadline for naming one is Dec. 30 - 180 days from the previous superintendent's departure.
On Wednesday, the Citizens Advisory Committee appointed to help search for a new superintendent recommended delaying the selection until a special grand-jury probe of district finances is completed. The committee also recommended that the search continue and be broadened.
``It appears unlikely that the board will take the committee's advice,'' staff writer Aleta Payne reported Thursday. ``Most of the School Board members contacted Wednesday said they felt ready to move ahead with the decision.''
Although the School Board has asked the state to extend the search period and approval of the request is likely, Board chairwoman June T. Kernutt said she is optimistic that the extension will not be required, that a superintendent will be named by Christmas.
But prudence argues for extending Dr. James L. Pughsley's interim superintendency for another six months. He has served admirably under very difficult circumstances during the six months since former Superintendent Sid Faucette left. Pughsley is the front runner for the job and under ordinary circumstances would be the obvious choice.
But circumstances aren't ordinary in Virginia Beach. The extent of Pughsley's involvement with the '94-'95 budget matters currently under investigation won't be known until the grand-jury report. Since Pughsley was on the education side, not the financial side, of Faucette's administration, it is unlikely he will be found culpable for the system's difficulties. But public confidence needs shoring up.
It is to Pughsley's credit that teachers and principals strongly support him. As interim superintendent, his forthright handling of a looming deficit for '95-'96 and the current budget preparations for '96-'97 school years also argues in his favor.
Still, because he was in the Faucette administration, the small cloud over him will not dissipate until the special grand jury, convened only last week, issues its report, months from now.
Some current board members see naming a permanent superintendent as a way of putting past wrongs behind the school system, moving ahead with what schools can do right and providing the system some sorely needed stability.
If the board decides a permanent appointment can't be postponed, Dr. Pughsley is a very strong candidate. He has moved ahead as fast and as well as current financial conditions and public confidence allow. He provides the continuity the system needs and the institutional memory to keep recent history from repeating itself.
Still, we believe it better for the board to err on the side of caution and extend Dr. Pughsley's interim appointment until all outstanding questions are cleared up. If he is then appointed, it will be with a clean slate. by CNB