Ian Price
Maintaining a business during the pandemic is tough, but starting a new business during the shutdown presents its own challenges. WFIR’s Ian Price spoke with a new downtown Roanoke restaurant that’s doing just that: Continue reading
A former law enforcement officer and previously taught at Radford University is discussing community policing amidst ongoing protests. WFIR’s Ian Price has more:
Hundreds took part in protests for racial equality this past weekend in Roanoke. WFIR’s Ian Price has more from a James Madison University social justice major who traveled for a peaceful demonstration.
The following sound bit is Shaver describing the posters pictured above
12 new confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases have been added in the Roanoke Valley over the latest 24-hour reporting period. Five in Roanoke County, Five in Roanoke City, and two in Salem. There’s been no change in the number of hospitalizations or deaths in the Roanoke Valley according to the latest data from the Virginia Department of Health.
The latest data from the Virginia Department of Health shows 57 new confirmed or probable COVID-19 related deaths over the most recent 24-hour reporting period bringing the statewide death toll to 1,338. There are no new deaths recorded in the Roanoke Valley in that timespan but there are two new cases. One in Roanoke City and one in Roanoke County. Confirmed or probably coronavirus cases in the Roanoke Valley show Botetourt and Salem with 32 each, Roanoke County with 97, and Roanoke City with 147.
The total number of confirmed or presumed positive COVID-19 cases in Virginia has surpassed 40,000 — 40,249 to be exact. There are also 45 additional deaths statewide over the latest 24-hour reporting period. The latest data released by the Virginia Department of Health this morning shows no new cases or deaths in the Roanoke Valley.
Photo: verlettawhite.com
Roanoke City Schools have announced a new superintendent who comes to the area from the 25th largest school district in the country. WFIR’s Ian Price has more on Verletta White:
In between all-day meetings with city officials after being announced as the new Roanoke City Public Schools superintendent – as of July 1st, Verletta White tells WFIR that student, teacher and staff safety is her top priority if and when students return to the classroom this fall. This is personal as well for White, who is relocating from the Baltimore area – she lost her brother-in-law to the coronavirus.
NEWS RELEASE: ROANOKE, VA – May 26, 2020: Today, at their monthly meeting, the Roanoke City School Board appointed Verletta White as the incoming Superintendent of Roanoke City Public Schools. This announcement closes out a nine-month process that included soliciting feedback from the community on the background, experience, interpersonal skills and attributes they wanted in a new superintendent, conducting a national search to find the ideal candidate, and ultimately selecting Ms. White.
“We believe we have hit the jackpot,” Board Chair Mark Cathey said. “Verletta White was an exceptionally strong candidate and we were delighted that she applied for this position. She has served as interim superintendent of a large and successful urban and suburban school district. She is a mother, a teacher, a principal, and an inspirational organizational leader. In her nearly 30-year career, she has continuously demonstrated excellence in curriculum, personnel, and fiscal management. And she came with glowing recommendations from a wide variety of stakeholders who all championed her work and her positive impact on children.”
Superintendent White is relocating to Roanoke from Baltimore, Maryland where she has served in a variety of progressive roles over the course of her career including teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, executive director of professional development, chief academic officer and interim superintendent of the 25th largest school district in the country. She will begin her term on July 1, 2020, replacing Superintendent Dr. Rita Bishop who has held that role for the last 13 years.
All community members are invited to begin learning more about Superintendent White by visiting the “Meet the new Superintendent” website.
“The Board would like thank our partners at McPherson & Jacobson, our Executive Search Firm, as well as every member of the community, most especially our teachers, administrators, parents and students, who took the time to participate in one of our 11 focus groups or complete an electronic survey. The input of hundreds of citizens helped inform, direct, and ultimately validate our selection process. Accordingly, we are all thrilled about this match,” Cathey added.
“I couldn’t be more excited to serve this beautiful community. I am excited to meet all of my new colleagues and to start partnering for the benefit of all of Roanoke City’s wonderful children,” incoming Superintendent White said.
While a majority of restaurants are struggling during the pandemic, one Roanoke eatery has hit a string of bad luck that brings a new meaning to “When it Rains it Pours.” WFIR’s Ian Price has more: