THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 22, 1996 TAG: 9603220002
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
A sign that the troubled Virginia Beach school system is on the mend came Tuesday when the School Board hired Giles G. Dodd as interim chief financial officer. Tuesday when the School Board hired Giles G. Dodd as interim chief financial officer.
Dodd, a respected public servant who was the city's assistant city manager from 1985 to 1993, was lured out of retirement to come to the aid of the school district.
Dodd's appointment is significant for several reasons. Not only is it a sign that the board has come to its collective senses, but his selection signals a high degree of political acumen by Timothy R. Jenney, the new school superintendent, who recommended Dodd for the post.
To succeed at the helm of the school district, Jenney must restore public confidence in school finances. Dodd will help him do that.
Furthermore, by selecting Dodd - a man with 47 years of experience in local government - Jenney has indicated that he is a self-confident leader who will build a team of strong administrators.
We wish Jenney well as he fills other key positions.
In addition to traditional financial responsibilities, Dodd will assist the district in studying consolidation of services with the city. City Council has proposed consolidating several departments with the school district's as a way to cut costs and increase accountability, but overtures have been rebuffed by the board in the past.
Dodd's strong ties to city government indicate that Jenney is serious about consolidation. By approving him for the job, the School Board has indicated that it shares Jenney's commitment. by CNB