Roanoke City personnel committee interviews school board applicants; public hearing set for May 20

Roanoke City Council’s personnel committee conducted interviews of applicants for vacancies on the Roanoke City School Board during a meeting in council chambers. Committee chair Trish White Boyd said the panel would ask each candidate seven questions and expected interviews to run about 20 minutes; the council scheduled a public hearing for May 20 at 7:00 p.m. and said it will announce appointments on June 3.

Incumbent trustee Michael Cherry told the panel the board’s role is to “promote excellence and synergy,” set policy and manage district finances, and that the superintendent’s job is to implement board policy and develop the district’s vision. Cherry said he wants to continue serving because “I love kids” and because Roanoke “gave a kid a chance,” and he emphasized increasing student voice — noting a student representative…