Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education School Board Appointments topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Speakers urge reappointment of Frannie Apel and Joyce Watkins to Roanoke City School Board
Summary
During a public hearing April 21, dozens of residents urged Roanoke City Council to reappoint Frannie (Franny) Apel and Joyce Watkins to three‑year terms on the Roanoke City School Board; the council said appointments are likely to be made at its May 5 meeting.
Roanoke City residents and community leaders urged the Roanoke City Council on April 21 to reappoint Frannie (Franny) Apel and Joyce Watkins to three‑year terms on the Roanoke City School Board, the council said appointments would likely be made at its May 5 meeting.
Nut graf: Dozens of speakers — parents, volunteers, nonprofit leaders, former trustees and students — told council the two candidates bring hands‑on school experience, community connections and volunteer service to the board. The hearing included multiple endorsements citing classroom experience, tutoring, youth coaching and leadership in local organizations.
Body: The council opened a public hearing on appointments to three‑year school board terms beginning July 1, 2025. The candidates listed in the notice were Frannie Apel, Adam Markwood and Joyce Watkins. A string of speakers spoke in support of Apel and Watkins. Supporters described Apel as a former teacher with classroom experience, an active volunteer and a past president of the Junior League of Roanoke Valley; several speakers said she tutors students, visits assigned schools and has been an engaged, data‑driven board member. Supporters of Watkins described her as a longtime community volunteer active in Pilgrim Baptist Church and civic groups, a parent of Roanoke City school graduates and a school board vice chair whose supporters cited steady leadership and advocacy for students.
Student and youth advocates also spoke: an eighth‑grader described coaching and mentoring opportunities with Apel; former and current school trustees and community leaders recounted work with both candidates on committees and in volunteer roles. Several speakers noted Apel and Watkins had fulfilled duties during difficult periods, including the COVID era. No speakers were recorded speaking against either candidate during the hearing. The clerk announced that council would most likely make the appointments at its May 5 meeting.
Ending: The public hearing closed after all signups spoke. The council did not vote on appointments at the April 21 meeting; members indicated the decision would be taken at the May 5 meeting.
