Wednesday, July 23, 2003

Supes Delay School Improvements
Board Wants Time To Digest School Board’s Plans

Supervisors agreed Monday night to delay a decision on the School Board's $21.9 million capital improvements request until August 18, recognized the late musician/composer Kenneth Cranford for his many contributions, and toured The Prizery.

School Board members brought a new Phase II capital improvements plan to supervisors, one with additional detail sought by the Board.

The revised Phase II recommendation proposes construction of a new $7,832,000 K-3 Washington-Coleman Elementary School in South Boston, as well as improvements at four elementary schools.

Renovations and additions proposed included South of Dan, $3,712,848; Cluster Springs, $4,345,200; Meadville, $3,195,750; and Sinai Elementary School, $2,827,950.

School Board members also fielded questions regarding roof repair needs at a number of existing schools, debt service for Phase II improvements, and whether the School Board budget included funds to purchase land for a new Washington-Coleman Elementary School.

Superintendent of Schools Dennis Witt told supervisors funds were not included to purchase land for the school, but that he had talked with South Boston Town Manager Ted Daniel.

"I think they are anxious to work with us on that," added Witt.

Witt also explained the School Board's Phase III plan, which would include renovations at C.H. Friend, Turbeville and Halifax Elementary schools, as well as the Middle School.

"We feel it is critical for our community and school system to move forward," Witt said, emphasizing the positive impact in recruiting new industry.

Supervisor Ronnie Vaughan asked School Board members about needed roof repairs at South of Dan Elementary School.

Witt said a contract for roof repairs at South of Dan has been award, adding that the Board is looking at improvements to older roofs.

Vaughan noted there was no money in the School Board's figures for Meadville's roof.

The superintendent said that he anticipated addressing critical roof needs, but was not sure all were in need. "Not all are leaking," he said.

"I think the roof issue is really something we need to look at," said Vaughan. "Why not do roofs at the schools you're renovating now?"

Supervisor Martin asked about the timetable for the School Board's comprehensive school roof report for the county, and asked that school officials share a copy with supervisors when received.

Patty Nelson, School Board chairman, said it was expected in August.

School Board member Alan Gravitt noted the "flat roofs" at many schools and said at some different sections were different ages. "One might be okay," he said.

However, he said the School Board's review plan was for all roofs and they anticipated having a plan to address aging roofs as they neared the end of their life expectancy.

Witt said planning was underway for installation at other schools during the school year with priority for the oldest roofs needing repair.

Vaughan said that schools being renovated should be considered for needed roof repair.

Witt agreed, but said that such repair could add to the cost of Phase II.

Air conditioning and additional electrical wiring needs in older schools scheduled for renovation were also discussed.

Supervisor James Edmunds questioned the impact of interest rates and Supervisor Tom West asked about the debt service schedule.

Witt said payment would not come due for another fiscal year, and perhaps not until 2005-2006, depending on construction dates.

He explained the repayments are based on a $21 million project. These are estimated to begin at $350,000 the first year, increase to $1,340,000 the second year and jump to $1,668,000 the third year, at which time they will begin decreasing over the remaining 21-year financing.

The School Board is currently seeking $21.9 million, almost $1 million more for Phase II.

Citizen Comment

Sandra Rister, who is seeking the School Board seat in ED-7, questioned several renovation proposals.

One was the use of a single media center for Cluster Spring South of Dan elementary schools.

A media specialists for over 34 years, Rister said children at different levels have different needs.

Witt told her the walkway to the media center would be enclosed at Cluster Springs/South of Dan.

She also questioned the campus approach at Cluster Springs and South of Dan, some Meadville renovations, as well as the details proposed as savings in closing Virgilina's school.

"Virgilina had 110 enrollment and today in the paper (ad) it said 94. Where did those people go?" she asked.

She also questioned the savings when Virgilina teachers have been reassigned. "Even the secretary and administrator," she added.

Other citizen comment included Billy Royster, who asked about the debt service plan for Phase II.

He noted the high interest rates in the 1970s and '80s, advising the Board to borrow now because the only way interest rates would be going is up.

Bernard Rister told supervisors that police had taken Virgilina Mayor John Youngk and three residents had been taken to jail earlier in the day, where Youngk remained.

South Boston Attorney Bill Greer noted supervisors had asked the School Board to defer moving equipment from VES until addition study could be done.
"Within 48 hours," Greer charged school officials with taking action at the school.

Greer described the action Monday as "a slap in the face to this Board," and action that would bring notoriety to Halifax County.

"You told them not to do it and they did it anyway," he said.

The attorney charged the School Board with acting with willful disregard of the Constitution and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

"We believe a valid suit can be brought against the School Board," Greer said.
Jack Dunavant told supervisors that there were a couple of things that needed to be remembered.

"Those people paid for the school and donated it to the county," he said. "They have some moral right ..."

He also questioned whether money to expand Cluster Springs was at the expense of VES.

If those challenging for school board seats this fall are successful, Dunavant said he expects "Virgilina to open next year."

Dunavant also said that he "sensed the School Board was afraid to go to referendum" regarding capital improvements.

Why isn't the School Board going the referendum route and let the people decide how to spend the money, questioned Dunavant.

Public Hearing

Only one speaker, David Slabach, spoke during a public hearing on a proposed county convenience center for recycling and garbage on Route 658.
The center is near Slabach's home as well as a convenience store and restaurant near the intersection of Cedar Grove and Cluster Springs.
"No one wants one as close to my house as this one," Slabach told supervisors. However, he said he had examined a center near VIR and was "quite impressed."

Slabach made two requests of supervisors, that capacity was adequate to secure a good appearance, and that safety be an issue at the entrance.
"Design it, get it back," he said.

Slaback said that he wanted to partner with the county and he offered to be a spokesman for them in the future, if needed.

Supervisors unanimously supported Ronnie Vaughan's motion to approve the location with safety and setback of the convenience center.

Appointments

Supervisor Tom West announced Herman Roller's retirement from the Industrial Development Authority, and proposed former extension agent Larry McPeters.

Supervisors approved McPeters' nomination.

On motion of Supervisor William Fitzgerald, Sylvia Carey was appointed to the Board of Social Services.

Supervisors were also informed that Jenny Hochstein had resigned her position as program coordinator for the Halifax County Improvement Council.
County Administrator Joe Morgan said that Hochstein will be working with her husband in his business.

Morgan presented the proposed Personnel Policies and Procedures draft manual to supervisors and asked them to consider adopting the manual at its August 18 meeting.

Location of additional convenience centers is also expected to be addressed at the August meeting as the county moves from 150 solid waste dumpster sites to 12 to 18 convenience center sites.

Youngk, Three Others Arrested
Charged With Disorderly Conduct During Effort To Stop Equipment From Being Removed From VES

By KEITH STRANGE | G-V Staff Writer

Virgilina Mayor John Youngk was released from the Halifax County Jail yesterday around 9 a.m., after being arrested Monday during a futile attempt to keep equipment from being removed from Virgilina Elementary School.

The mayor was among four community residents who were charged as they quietly protested the closing of their school.

Mayor Youngk, 46, and Cub Scout leader Ralph Tuck, 43, were both handcuffed and loaded in the back of a sheriff's patrol car, while Gerald Morris, 70, and his wife Katherine, 67, were taken to jail in another police vehicle.

All four were transported to the Halifax County Sheriff's Office where they were charged with disorderly conduct by interfering with the orderly operation or activity of a school, a Class I misdemeanor, carrying a penalty of up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both, according to attorney Bill Greer, who consulted with Youngk in jail.

While the Morris couple and Tuck were released shortly after being booked for the crime, Youngk refused to sign an order releasing him on his own recognizance and spent Monday night in jail.

All four are scheduled to appear in Halifax County General District Court on July 30, according to court records.

The arrests came just hours prior to a school board meeting with the Halifax County Board of Supervisors where the School Board sought nearly $22 million in capital improvement funds.

After blocking the exit with their vehicles, the four stood motionless in front of a school maintenance truck laden with equipment the school system was trying to move to other schools.

During the several years Virgilina residents have fought to keep their elementary school open, enrollment increased from over 80 students to what supporters say is over 120, as School Board officials demanded last year.

But those numbers weren't enough to convince the School Board from voting to close the school, in spite of public outcry from hundreds of citizens.

During their May meeting, school board members challenged the number of new students, and determined that several of the 124 enrollment applications for the 2003-2004 school year were "questionable," leaving the school short of its 120-student target mandated by the board.

Youngk has said one of his biggest issues with the behavior of the school board is the students were disqualified with no reasons for the disqualifications given to the school's supporters.

Mayor Youngk charged that the school board has lied to the public they represent.

"What we're doing here is a protest of the way the county School Board has treated this issue with Virgilina," Youngk said shortly before his arrest. "The county has made itself clear they don't want them (the School Board) to take the direction they've been taking."

The mayor claimed the board was acting without the best interests of his community in mind.

"They are making decisions without even consulting the public about it," he charged.

"The Board of Supervisors has spoken, telling them they don't want the school stripped."

Prior to his arrest Monday, Youngk also questioned the timing of the move, and said he hoped the county Board of Supervisors would support the community's efforts to keep the school open during Monday's meeting.
"I don't think the Board of Supervisors would vote to give them the (capital improvement funds) tonight," he said. "That wouldn't be very wise at all. I think the public will get involved before that happens or there will be a referendum."
Board of Supervisors Chairman David Martin said yesterday that Youngk was correct - the board didn't vote on the issue Monday.

"The feelings that I'm getting from the Board is the supervisors want some time to digest the information," Martin said. "Each board member will have to weigh and make their own decision on the issue."

The mayor suggested he knew the school's supporters were the underdogs fighting an uphill battle.

"The School Board is much more politically savvy than we are," he said.
"They certainly know how to work the ropes and put deception out there," he charged.

Youngk said the workers had removed nearly everything from the community school before the protestors arrived.

"It's blatant disrespect for public opinion, disrespect for the Board of Supervisors and disrespect for the community," he said.

Attempts were made to contact Halifax County School Superintendent Dennis Witt, but he was unavailable for comment. Assistant Superintendent Larry Clark said Monday the school administration had "no comment."

HCHS’s SOL Achievement Recognized By Virginia
Principal Meets With Commission To Discuss Improved SOL Scores

Halifax County High School has been chosen as one of 54 schools in the state to be part of a study on successful policies for SOL achievement by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC).

“To be identified as a high achieving school and be visited by representatives of our legislature is quite an honor,” said HCHS Principal Albert Randolph on Tuesday.

HCHS is one of 22 high schools that have been selected for these visits.
Randolph met with two JLARC representatives Monday to discuss what policies have led to the school’s rapid improvement in SOL scores.

Schools were chosen to take part in the study based on mix of factors including geographic location, size, demographics, and performance on the SOLs, according Senior Legislative Analyst Ashley Colvin.

“HCHS has shown some pretty remarkable improvement since 1999 in terms of pass rates and average scores,” Colvin said. “We are here to find out what has caused that.

"It does seem that there are some basic things - one of them is making sure that the curriculum of the schools is aligned with SOLs," he added. "Divisions that have done that have achieved a certain foundational level of success but it appears that HCHS has gone even beyond that."

While preliminary SOL scores for the 2002-03 school year have not been publicly released, Randolph is confident that HCHS will be fully accredited for the second year in a row.

“We know the preliminary scores are even better than they were last year,” he said. “In every category we improved and its hard to improve when you get into the percentages we had last year.”

According to Randolph, the fully accredited ranking represents “a high achieving school, a safe school, a school where all students can succeed and a school that maximizes the use of funding.

“Being fully accredited means that we have a lot to be proud of in terms of both our school and our community,” Randolph added. “It also sets a tone that we have to continue to maintain high expectation and high achievement for all students.”

The meeting with JLARC representatives reassured Randolph of the importance of current school policies.

"We felt confident that we were on target and are comparable to other high achievers in the state," he said.

After the meeting, Randolph attributed HCHS’s success to continued and pervasive teamwork.

“The one thing that has improved student achievement the most is our team effort between the students , faculty, parents, administration, and central office,” he said.

Although teamwork is important, Randolph insisted that it is just part of the policies that have led to HCHS’s ability to perform well on SOL tests.

“It’s really a combination of things,” he said. “In curriculum it’s alignment, in instruction it is minimizing class interruptions, in the recognition program it is the ability to recognize our students and faculty for their accomplishments.”
Randolph also cited county wide reading programs, lead teacher programs, the use of performance data for decision making and the student’s focus on SOLs.

“We have built a reputation here where we are not pleased with a 70 percent pass rate,” he added. “We are only pleased when all of children are passing.”
An important sentiment, given that, according to Virginia state law, in order to receive a diploma next spring students must pass English writing and reading SOLs.

Obituaries

James Thomas Clements

James Thomas Clements, 62, of 5053 Coles Ferry Road, Nathalie died July 20 at Berry Hill Nursing Home.

Mr. Clements was born in Halifax County on February 18, 1941, the son of William Clements and Mary Dixon Clements. He was married to Marion Jackson Clements.

Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Sarah Davis of Halifax; four sons, Ronald Allen Clements and Daryl Clements, both of Alexandria, Keith Clements and Donald Alvin Clements, both of Halifax; 13 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; two sisters, Dorothy Clements of Fayetteville, N.C. and Mable C. Quarles of Nathalie; and one brother, William David Clements of Nathalie.

Funeral services for Mr. Clements will be held today, July 23 at 3 p.m. at Brown's Memorial Holiness Church with the Elder William E. Mosby Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Selena Muse Gomes

Selena Muse Gomes, 80, of 11031 Chatham Road, Vernon Hill died July 20 at Halifax Regional Hospital.

Mrs. Gomes was born in Halifax County on November 11, 1923, the daughter of Andrew Muse and Hallie Lee Muse and was married to Richard Gomes. She was a member of New Zion Baptist Church.

Survivors include her children, Andrew, Wayne, Haywood, Claudette, Patricia, Jean, Ricardo, Yolanda, Sidney and Christine; 52 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Regina Crawford.

Funeral services for Mrs. Gomes will be held at 1 p.m. July 26 at New Zion Baptist Church with the Rev. Willie N. Yancey officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services, and other times at the home.

Dophas Ragsdale Jr.

Dophas Ragsdale Jr., 50, of 3140 Ball Park Loop, Halifax died July 20 at Halifax Regional Hospital.

Mr. Ragsdale was born in Halifax County on February 7, 1953, the son of the late Dophas Ragsdale and Willie White Ragsdale and was married to the late Linda Trent Ragsdale. He was a member of Mt. Pleasant CME Church, and was employed with Clover Yarns, Inc.

Survivors include one son, Dophas Ragsdale III of Halifax; one granddaughter; three sisters, Queen Gilmore of Waynesboro, Dorothy Hill of South Boston and Virginia Barksdale of Matthews two brothers, Jerry Ragsdale of Halifax and Donald Ragsdale of South Boston. Mr. Ragsdale was also preceded in death by one son, Kelvin D. Ragsdale.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow, July 24 at 1 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant CME Church with the Rev. Evon Bush officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family is receiving friends at the home of Jerry Ragsdale, 1173 Crawford Road, Halifax.

Lonie Wilkins Rice

Lonie Wilkins Rice, 88, of Clarksville, widow of Robert Kent Rice Sr., died July 20.

She was a homemaker and a member of Averett Baptist Church.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. July 22 at Watkins Cooper Lyon funeral Chapel with burial in the family cemetery in Nelson.

Mrs. Rice is survived by two daughters, Betsy Loftis of Nelson and Judith Whitlow of Buffalo Junction; one son, Robert Kent Rice Jr. of Nelson.

Nancy Elizabeth Whitlow

Nancy Elizabeth Whitlow, 77, of 1228 Fenton Street, South Boston died June 16 at her home.

Ms. Whitlow was born in Halifax County on July 15, 1925, the daughter of John Henry Whitlow and Sallie Adams Whitlow.

Survivors include one brother, David Whitlow of Charlotte, N.C.; and one sister-in-law, Dora West Stubblefield of South Boston.

A memorial service for Ms. Whitlow will be held July 26 at Powell Funeral Home Chapel at 4 p.m. with the Rev. John Wilder officiating.

All It Takes Is One
SoBo could wrap up Virginia State Dixie Boys 13/14 Title With A Win Last Night Over Bedford

By JOE CHANDLER | G-V Staff Writer

All it takes is one.

The South Boston Dixie Boys 14-Year-Old all star team stood one win away from the Virginia State Dixie Boys 13/14 Title last night as it faced Bedford for the right to advance to the Dixie Boys 13/14 World Series.

South Boston entered last night's championship game as the lone unbeaten team in the tournament.

As a result, it had two shots at its disposal to win the state crown.

A win by South Boston in last night's 6 p.m. contest would sew up the state title.

However, if it was tagged with a loss, South Boston had one more try at it by facing Bedford a second time.

South Boston has already beaten Bedford once, having scored an 8-6 win over Bedford on Sunday night.

South Boston prepped itself for last night's state title game by easily dumping North Roanoke 9-2.

It was a big game for South Boston as it had 11 hits on the offensive end and took advantage of six walks from North Roanoke hurlers and four North Roanoke errors.

Billy Joe Garrett led South Boston with three hits. Tony Barbour, Chad Duffer and Jacob Swillie had two hits each and Brad Rogers and David Clark had a hit each.

South Boston got good performances from all three of its pitchers in eliminating North Roanoke.

Barbour, the starting pitcher, hurled three hitless innings, fanned six batters and allowed two walks.

The only thing that created any problem for Barbour was that the South Boston defense committed three errors during his stint on the hill.

Jacob Vest worked three inning and finished his night allowing four hits and a walk while striking out two batters.

Brett Lewis came to the hill for the final inning and allowed one hit and a walk. He fanned one batter.

South Boston showed its strength early, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning, adding a run in the top of the second inning and putting the game away with a five-run rally in the top of the third inning to give itself a 9-0 cushion.

North Roanoke took advantage of three back-to-back South Boston errors in the bottom of the third inning to scratch out its first run of the game.

It added its final run in the bottom of the fifth inning when Paul Brammer singled with one out and scored on a triple by Andrew Stover to make the final 9-2 count.

South Boston jumped on top in the top of the first inning when Barbour singles and scored on a triple by Garrett.

Garrett scored on a wild pitch to put his team up 2-0. Swillie smacked a triple and scored on another wild pitch to give the tourney host team a 3-0 lead.

In the second inning, Barbour singled, moved to second base on a throwing error and scored on a hit by Garrett to give South Boston a 4-0 lead.

South Boston added five more runs in the third inning that started with Chris Ammons reaching base on an error. He scored on a hit by Brad Rogers to give South Boston a 5-0 lead.

Clark walked and scored on a hit by Barbour. A double by Duffer scored Barbour to keep the rally going.

Swillie was struck by a pitch and a hit by Lewis plated two runs to complete the rally and give South Boston a nine-run cushion that sealed the win.

South Boston set the stage for the elimination of North Roanoke by defeating Bedford 8-6 Sunday night.

In that one, South Boston had seven hits with Lewis and Barbour leading the team with two hits each and Patrick Currie, Joey Rogers and Clark each having one hit.

Barbour handled the mound chores in that one, fanning 11 Bedford batters while allowing six hits and one walk.

The big obstacle for South Boston in that contest was overcoming the five defensive errors it committed in the game, errors that allowed Bedford to keep the game close.

South Boston got the early lead when Currie walked and stole second base to start the inning.

Garrett reached base on a fielder's choice that erased Currie and Duffer walked to put runners on first base and second base.

Lewis walked with two out to load the sacks and Barbour walked to force in the run.

Bedford plated four runs in the bottom of the third inning to take a 4-1 lead.
An error and a base hit followed by a two-RBI single by Brian Gregory put Bedford up 2-1.

Another South Boston error followed by a two-RBI hit by Trey Dalton gave Bedford a 4-1 lead.

South Boston added a run in the top of the fourth inning when Joey Rogers singled, advanced to second base on a passed ball and scored on a double by Currie to make it a 4-2 game.

A four-run South Boston rally in the top of the fifth inning put South Boston back on top 6-4.

Swillie walked with one out and Lewis followed with a single. A two-RBI triple by Barbour tied the game.

Joey Rogers walked with two out and stole second base. Clark followed with a double that put South Boston up 6-4.

Bedford closed the gap in the bottom of the fifth inning when Aaron Jones had a leadoff double and scored later on a passed ball to make it a 6-5 game.

A South Boston error allowed Bedford to tie the game at 6-6 in the bottom of the sixth inning.

South Boston picked up the winning runs in the top of the seventh inning when Lewis led off with a single and moved to third base on a double by Barbour.

Joey Rogers walked with one out to load the sacks. Lewis was erased from the base paths trying to steal home.

Barbour, however, was successful in another attempt at stealing home and scored to put South Boston up 7-6.

Rogers scored when Clark reached base on an error to give South Boston a two-run cushion.

Barbour took the team on his shoulders from the hill as he fanned the first two Bedford batters he faced in the bottom of the final inning.

Bedford's Mike Crowder grounded out to third base to end the game.