By Joe Chandler
Halifax County High School's new principal, Albert Thornton Randolph, says there will be no nonsense when it comes to school discipline.
"Students that tend to disrupt the mission of the school will be removed."
Randolph says students will know what the rules are and what will be expected of them from the very beginning.
"When rules are established early and students know what is expected of them, generally they will meet that expectation," he said.
Randolph, who has just completed his seventh year as principal at Randolph-Henry High School in Charlotte County, was named Friday by the Halifax County School Board as the new high school principal.
Halifax County School Superintendent Dennis Witt said school system administrators' contracts are generally one-year contracts and that Randolph's contract is for the coming school year.
Witt pointed out that Randolph's salary will be in the same range as that of the school system's assistant superintendents.
"That's somewhere in the $75,000 range," the school superintendent said.
The 44-year-old Charlotte County native becomes only the fourth principal in the 46-year history of Halifax County High School.
And, he is the first African-American to hold the principal's post at the school.
Leon Johnson, a long-time assistant principal at Halifax County High School, was named as the high school's associate principal.
Johnson will be the administrator in charge of the school when Randolph is away and will serve as Randolph's top assistant.
Discipline has been a big issue at Halifax County High School, which was plagued by -a handful of serious incidents during the past school year.
Randolph has a history of taking a school that was low in discipline and raising the bar of student behavior.
In fact, there were no fights at Randolph-Henry High School in the second semester of this past school year.
"I commend our students by providing positive reinforcement and special activities when students do the right thing," Randolph explained.
"We've got to let students know that there is nothing wrong with doing the right thing.
"I commend the school that I'm leaving," he added.
When Randolph was asked if he plans to make any changes in the discipline procedures at the high school, he said he needed to study the current procedures first.
"I will have to take an opportunity to look at the rules and regulations which have been established and approved by the board and look at the situations and come up with concrete rules and regulations if there needs to be changes," he said.
Randolph says he wants to raise the standards at the high school and improve student performance.
"We want the students in the classrooms and we want them performing," he pointed out.
"When we talk of retention, I think students retain themselves."
Randolph emphasized that opportunities will be provided to enhance student performance.
"We're going to provide assistance," noted Randolph.
"We're going to provide opportunities after school for students to be able to get additional help. Mr. Witt says we're able to put the resources there.
"If we put the resources there, we want the parents and the community to step up and say 'Hey, I want my child to have a great education, my child must have some skills to be able to operate in society," continued Randolph.
"There are no more times when students can go out and operate in situations where they are with no skills. Every job requires skills and continuously improving those skills."
Randolph's Credentials
Randolph comes to Halifax County with excellent credentials.
He has spent the past 12 years in Charlotte County. He served as principal of Central Middle School for two years and, in 1997, served as principal of both the middle school and high school.
In addition, he spent three years as an assistant principal.
Randolph also spent several years in the Campbell County school system, starting with a three year stint at Altavista High School and then moving on to William Campbell High School.
As a teacher, Randolph holds endorsements in math as well as health and physical education and driver education.
Raising the Bar on SOL Scores
While discipline is a big issue locally, Randolph says he also wants to raise the bar on Halifax County High School's SOL test scores.
The approach he used in Charlotte County, he says, was successful.
"Through staff development, through commitment to excellence, to letting students know you must have skills in order to go in these classes, we were able to continue to raise the bar for SOLs at Randolph-Henry High School," he pointed out.
"We had over 90 percent of the students pass the English SOL test. In the science SOL test, we were able to meet the state standard, which is 70 percent or better. We made the benchmark in the math areas. I want to say we raised the SOLs 20 percent this past year in math, which is commendale."
"Our social studies is one we're still working on," added Randolph.
Randolph says he needs to examine Halifax County's SOL test scores to "see what we can do to continue to improve the standards at the high school.
"In being committed to high standards, we must be focused and we must be time-on-task to provide sound instruction for all students."
Staff Development
Staff development is also high on Randolph's list.
"We think it's very necessary in this high-tech society in standards and accountability that everyone get aboard," Randolph explained.
"I believe in a team approach. In using the team approach, I want to make sure teachers, administrators, cafeteria workers and custodians be part of the team.
"Any portion of the team can affect performance so we think its very important that performance is at top level," he added.
Communication, Randolph says, is an important aspect of the picture.
"I think it's very important that the principal be the key role person in instruction and also in discipline," Randolph stated.
"The principal must be visible to the staff and supportive of staff who are doing the right thing."
"I know they have high standards there now," Randolph continued.
"Yet, we want to be able to look at the strengths and build on the strengths, identify weaknesses and be able to improve upon them."
Randolph also pointed out that he believes all students should be active particpants in the school and its programs.
"This is the students' high school.....students should be participatory, that means taking a part in the activities at the school," he said.
"I would like to look at the numbers of students that are participating in extra-curricular activities.
"I'd like for every student to participate in something extra in the high school whether it's clubs, whether it's sports or whether it's academic-types of things," Randolph concluded.

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traitors and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army, another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.
They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they?
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships
swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.
Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Rutledge and Middleton.
At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters.
He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year, he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later, he died from exhaustion and a broken heart.
Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.
Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more.

Supervisors unanimously adopted the proposed $61.5 million budget Thursday night, declining to heed three industrialists' call for a reduction in the machine and tool tax.
But the call did not fall on deaf ears.
"I hate to send a message that we are not encouraging industry," said Supervisor James Edmunds II during a finance committee meeting prior to the full board's vote on the budget.
"If you take it off one, you are going to put it on another," said Supervisor R.E. Abbott, as supervisors faced the June 30 budget approval deadline.
The finance committee ultimately recommended the proposed budget for adoption to the full Board of Supervisors.
During the board meeting, Supervisor David Martin noted the pleas from industry concerning the 9-cent increase in the machine and tool tax rate.
Martin said he supported the budget as proposed because of the tight-money budget situation. However, Martin said that he hoped that in the next budget supervisors could look at a plan not punishing industry.
"I agree 100 percent," said Supervisor Tom West.
Adopted in the budget were a 36-cents per $100 assessed value real estate tax rate; $1.26 for personal property; $1.26 for the machine and tool tax per $100 valuation based on 50 percent of original capitalized cost; $25 for vehicle decals. Tax rates will be effective as of January 2000.
Supervisors also approved an increase in the Utility tax from $2 to $3, effective July 1, and an E-911 fee increase from 40 cents to $2.50, effective July 1.
"Of all the taxes that we have had to increase, I got more calls and concern from residents about this one," said Abbott of the E-911 fees.
Abbott said that some older people, particularly those on social security, could not afford the increase and would have to have their telephone removed.
"I will vote for it, but it concerns me," Abbott said. "I feel sorry for those on a fixed income."
The increase for a single line will be $25.20, according to assistant County Administrator Jerry Lovelace.
When the E-911 capital and installation charges have been fully recovered, the levy is to be reduced.
Citizen Comment
Noting the increase in the number of employees, as well as county vehicles, over the past eight years, Halifax resident and retired businessman Cleve Wilborn called on supervisors to consolidate operations and trim the cost to taxpayers.
Wilborn noted there are over 200 employees in the county and "you are giving them all a raise," he told supervisors.
"Why did the budget double during (former county administrator) Dan Sleeper's years?" asked Wilborn.
Wilborn said that the military had been cutting back and that in many cases one man was doing what three had done before.
"I was wondering if supervisors could not combine jobs and not raise taxes?" asked Wilborn.
He also targeted the budget, which he said had doubled in eight years, adding that taxpayers were wondering what was going on.
"Something is wrong with the budget increasing that much," he added.
Wilborn told supervisors that a "sore spot" with taxpayers was welfare.
He said that the department has 49 employees with $1.5 million in salaries, but that the number of welfare recipients has been cut almost in half.
"Why do they need 49 employees?" asked Wilborn.
The citizen also asked about the 99 automobiles owned by the county. "Look what the insurance on those 99 vehicles is. That is enormous."
In the school system, Wilborn asked why some of the 58 secretaries' jobs couldn't be combined. He also targeted the 18 people in the School Board's administration at salaries of $1.3 million.
Wilborn said there were about 10,000 students when R.L. Lacy was superintendent, but 6,349 today. He said the cost today is about $7,000 per pupil.
Wilborn also plugged industrial development, telling supervisors that an industrial prospect wanted 500 acres here and "we could not put it together." He said the industry could have employed 1,500 workers.
The retired businessman said that he hoped supervisors could lower the machine and tool tax. "That really gets to the quick," he said.
He also urged that the Senior Executive Roundtable here be tapped to look at operations in Halifax County. Wilborn said the executives could provide information instead of a paid-consultant.
Supervisor Martin said he agreed with some concepts; however, the former National Guardsman said that some people in the military are concerned that they could not simultaneously fight two wars because "capability has been drastically reduced" due to the cuts in personnel.
The supervisor also noted that localities must deal with state mandates and expectations from constituents. He said that during a meeting with people in his district, he found that "people were willing to pay for quality services."
Martin said the board would try over the next four years .... "We didn't raise taxes because we wanted to," he added.
James Edmunds also noted the "unfunded state mandates" supervisors face. "We as a board don't think this is fair to citizens."
Supervisor Lottie Nunn commended Wilborn for his service to the community, a sentiment echoed by Martin.
In other business, supervisors were advised that the Airport Commission had submitted its Six-Year ACIP, and that notification had been received from the FAA that the request for financial aid had been approved and allocated in the amount of $217,490 for specified work at Tuck Airport. She asked that supervisors authorize engineers to move forward on the documentation on the project.
Assistant County Administrator Julia Moss also noted that the $217,490 is the 90 percent federal share and that the 8 percent is not available through state funding at this time. The county will be responsible for the 2 percent match, which would be about $4,800.

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Carroll Thackston, chairman, Phase II, Halifax County War Memorial Fund, has a message for local residents:
"To the citizens of Halifax County: Today as we prepare to celebrate July Fourth, or Independence Day, it is fitting that we announce Phase II, our final fund-raising effort on behalf of the Halifax County War Memorial.
"With the just-concluded Gala at Round Hill, Phase I was completed and we now have raised almost $100,000 towards our new goal of $150,000.
"These remaining funds will be used to complete the very beautiful granite gazebo which will house a spired monument bearing the names of all those who made the supreme sacrifice for our county, state and nation.
"These honest-to-goodness heroes served in every war from the American Revolution to Desert Storm and there are over 700 names to be engraved on this monument with ample space to add others should the need ever arise.
"This beautiful tribute is the least we can do in remembrance of those who gave their lives that we might enjoy the unmatched blessings our country has to offer.
"It has been said that, 'The greatest and noblest sacrifice anyone can make is to give his life for others.'
"Truer words were never spoken and we are the beneficiaries of the sacrifices these heroes made.
"Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Sam Wilson, featured speaker at the gala, spoke inspiringly of those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy.
"He reminded us of these words inscribed on the Kohema War Memorial in India which is dedicated to fallen Americans, 'When you go home, tell them of us and say, for their tomorrow we gave our today.'
"As many of you know, the Halifax Woman's Club raised over $100,000 to purchase the lot beside the courthouse at the corner of Main Street and Mountain Road. This site has now been turned over to the county and will soon be landscaped into a memorial park suitable for the monument.
"This effort is being carried out under the direction of the noted landscape architect, Davyd Ford Hood.
"When the entire project is completed, we feel this most beautiful tribute to our war dead will be a wonderful asset to our whole county. It will certainly leave a lasting impression on all those who see it.
"We are excited that at long last the end is in sight! Please help us finish this task."
Donations can be made to: The Halifax County War Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 310, Halifax, Va. 24558. All contributions are tax deductible.

FORT PICKETT - Two Halifax County residents exchanged command of the National Guard's 29th Infantry Division Artillery here June 29.
Lt. Col. Dabney T. P. Gilliam Jr. assumed command of the 29th DIVARTY from Col. Wayne S. Stevens in a formal and emotional ceremony held at the post gymnasium.
Stevens has commanded DIVARTY since 1995. Gilliam is DIVARTY's former executive officer.
The 29th DIVARTY was activated in 1917 as part of the famed 29th Infantry Division. Today, the 29th DIVARTY consists of units in Virginia, Connecticut and Maryland, with headquarters in Sandston.
Gilliam, a Lynchburg native, is a senior vice president for American National Bank and Trust Company in Danville. A graduate of Virginia Military Institute, he has 23 years of military service.
His military awards and decorations include two Meritorious Service Awards, the Army Commendation Medal and the Virginia National Guard Bronze Star. Gilliam and his wife Sevanne have one son, Bob.
Stevens, a lifelong resident of South Boston, is retiring after a 32-year career in the Virginia Army National Guard. Stevens has received numerous military awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, three Army Commendation Medals, the Virginia National Guard Legion of Merit Award and the Virginia National Guard Bronze Star.
Attendees at the ceremony included: Maj. Gen. Claude A. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia; Brig. Gen. H Steven Blum, commander of the 29th Infantry Division; and former Adjutant General of Virginia, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Carroll Thackston.

Traynham Grove Baptist Church dedicated its new church building near Crystal Hill with a special service yesterday.
The Rev. William Avon Keen led a portion of the congregation on a march from the old church to the new building prior to a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The cornerstone, laid just before the ribbon cutting, was put into place by the Rev. Keen.
Attached to the back of the cornerstone were building plans of the old church, a list of the church members who made the morning's march, and a year 2000 dime, to remind everyone of their obligation to tithe to the church.
According to the inscription on the cornerstone, Traynham Grove Baptist Church was founded on February 5, 1891, and dedicated in 1908. It was founded by Mr. Anthony Younger.
The church was rebuilt in 1952, with the pastor at that time being the Rev. J.H. Bailey.
The ground-breaking ceremony for construction of the new Traynham Grove Baptist Church was held on September 5, 1998.

Mary Sue Hackney Johnson of 5193 Bold Springs Road, South Boston, died Sunday, July 2, 2000 at her home. She was born in Halifax County on September 3, 1927 and was 72 years old.
She was the daughter of William Robert Hackney and Mozelle Gravitt Hackney.
Mrs. Johnson was a member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church and a retired employee of J. P. Stevens.
Mrs. Johnson is survived by two step-daughters: Nancy J. Hackney, of South Boston and Brenda J. Parrish, of Danville; two step-sons: R. C. Johnson, Jr., of Clarksville; and Michael R. Johnson, of Roxboro, NC; one brother: William G. Hackney, of South Boston; one sister: Shirley H. Comer, of Haymarket and a nephew, Timothy A Hackney, of Alton; also nieces and nephews and step-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Champion Johnson, Sr. and a brother, Aaron M. Hackney
Funeral services for Mrs. Johnson will be held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Cedar Grove United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held at Brooks Funeral Home tonight (Monday) at 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. and other times at the home, 5193 Bold Springs Road, South Boston.
The family request those wishing to give memorials to please consider Commonwealth Nursing and Hospice, Danville.

Swanson McIver Waller of 1517 Moore Street, South Boston, died July 1, 2000 at Halifax Regional Hospital. He was born in Halifax County, on August 26, 1909 and was 90 years old.
Mr. Waller was the son of Dr. Robert Floyd Waller and Mrs. Lelia Brown Waller and was married to Jessie Hodnett Waller.
He was a member of First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for many years. He was also a member of the Faulkner Memorial Masonic Lodge #91, the South Boston Shrine Club, the South Boston Lions Club, and a former member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Waller is survived by two daughters: Ella W. Nargele and her husband, Lt. Col. USMC (Ret.) Dominik George Nargele, of Arlington; and Lelia Belle Waller, of Arlington.
Funeral services for Mr. Waller will be held today (Monday) at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Bob Fox conducting the service. Burial will take place in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
The family request for memorials, please consider the Halifax County Rescue Squad.