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School Board
For the first time ever county voters will have the opportunity to elect a School Board this November. Like the Board of Supervisors, the School Board members are elected by district. Each of the county’s five districts has attracted two candidates.
In Hampton District the incumbent, orchardist Bryant Lee, is opposed by “Libby” Whetzel, a retired teacher and tutor with the literacy volunteer program. Mrs. Whetzel, no doubt, knows much more about teaching than Mr. Lee, but Mr. Lee is the one who knows about the workings of the county school system. Mrs. Whetzel could make a significant contribution to the school system if she is interested in volunteering, but Mr. Lee is the stronger candidate for the School Board.
In Stonewall-Hawthom District incumbent representative John Tole is facing a challenge from furniture maker Tom Von Fange. Mr. Von Fange has taught in the high school, but he has chosen to vote against the school system by taking his children out and sending them to private school. In spite of misgivings, Mr. Tole sent his children through the county schools while he and his whole family have spent hours volunteering in the schools to make them better. Mr. Tole’s voice on the board is that of a determined advocate of very high quality education. He deserves to be elected.
In Wakefield District incumbent Paul Nichols has spent nearly a lifetime as a member of the Rappahannock County School Board. His four children successfully navigated the local public schools and college after that. Mr. Nichols has been a true champion of the coun. ty’s schools. He is being challenged by Ellen Manson, a nurse therapist whose second marriage has resulted in a house full of teenagers. Three of them live in the house and attend the high school. This has given Ms. Manson a unique window onto high school life. From that vantage point she should be able to provide valuable service to the county schools as a member of the School Board.
It would be a shame if the county lost the opportunity to benefit from Dennis Wingfield’s many years of experience at Rappahannock County High School. He knows the effects of the board’s actions on school employees and students alike. Sam Snead has the advantage of having two wards currently attending the high school, but in another year and half they will have graduated. Mr. Wingfield gets the nod in this race. * In Jackson District Ron Makela, who with his wife Janet runs Hackley’s store, has spent considerable time learning all he can about the county schools and the workings of the School Board. His opponent Rick Wood seems to have first decided to run for a seat on the School Board and then decided to try to find out something about the county’s schools starting by sending his son from private school to the high school. Since he is concerned about the lack of athletic facilities and successful teams, he should work with the Athletic Boosters Club. Mr. Makela is the better choice for the School Board.
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