Teaching in Roanoke/Commuting from Blacksburg (Christiansburg, Radford: homes, public schools, live in)

[Teacher1812]

I was wondering if other teachers/parents could provide a pro and con of the Roanoke City Public Schools System and/or if Roanoke Residents could tell me what they think the area between 581 and Vinton...above the Roanoke River is like.
Additionally, if anyone commutes from Blacksburg to Roanoke I am interested in knowing about how long the commute is and expected traffic on 581/81 at 8:00am and 4pm.

[roanoker 4]

Although I live in the City I don't know much about the Roanoke City Schools. Most of the respondents I'm sure will tell you to look at the County Schools. After all, why did many of these folks move to the County anyway but to get their kids out of the City Schools? The City Schools are more racially and economically diverse with higher drop-out rates. The big minus is of course they do not have cappucino makers in the lunch room. The more aflluent areas do have better schools and apparently better teachers. Thats a fact today in public education everywhere.
The commute from Roanoke to Blacksburg takes about 45 minutes. Its still only 2 lanes in each direction. Personally, I would never commute on this truck dominated highway. The Good News is that there is a Smart Bus, operated by the City which provides commuter service from Roanoke to Blacksburg.
The areas that you refer to toward Vinton is generally "middle class" if there is such a designation anymore and I am sure many respondents will tell you to stay away from Vinton. There is just something not "chic" about the word
Vinton I guess.

[j1n]

Originally Posted by Teacher1812

I was wondering if other teachers/parents could provide a pro and con of the Roanoke City Public Schools System and/or if Roanoke Residents could tell me what they think the area between 581 and Vinton...above the Roanoke River is like.
Additionally, if anyone commutes from Blacksburg to Roanoke I am interested in knowing about how long the commute is and expected traffic on 581/81 at 8:00am and 4pm.

the area east of 581, north of the river, and before you hit Vinton, is the 'Belmont' section of Roanoke. Like much of Roanoke, it's good and not-so-good...depending on the block, the street, the side of the street, etc. Seriously...nice, well-kept homes next to ones that are seemingly ready to fall down.
I know someone that commutes from Vinton to Radford for work...I think he said @ 50-55 minutes.

[VTech_Girl]

Why don't you live in Christiansburg? The community offers lower housing price than blacksburg and it would cut your trip to Roanoke to 30 minutes which is more do-able than 45 minutes I would say.

[alice_61]

I'd take the SmartBus if I had to commute to Roanoke.

[ednick]

pLEAse avoid Roanoke city schools-- they are terrible. I should know-- several of my friends and I have sued them. It's a mess. Roanoke County is very well run.

[Teacher1812]

Originally Posted by ednick

pLEAse avoid Roanoke city schools-- they are terrible. I should know-- several of my friends and I have sued them. It's a mess. Roanoke County is very well run.

Well I can tell you, I took a position working for the Roanoke City Schools, working as a classroom teacher somewhere in the district. I decided not to do a commute from Blacksburg this year, so I live in the city.
I am curious to know why you and your friends sued the district? When was it? Does a public record exist on your type of lawsuit? Could you back up your claim with facts or some type of story? I also think comparing Roanoke City to Roanoke County is comparing apples to oranges. I think your level of analysis may be off, and ought to consider comparing city schools against city schools and county schools with county schools. Rather than a simplistic one-dimensional analysis of city vs county, which I think is analogous of comparing McDonalds to Bank of America, sure they are both in business to profit but the market niches they serve are different as are the industries they represent. Likewise, City and County schools are both designed for education but have different student population representation.
Also, while I agree with you that Roanoke City has its challenges and parts of the system remain chaotic, Roanoke City Schools is much better run than other city school systems in the state.
One last point, remember Media outlets have a bias towards negitative news reporting and will report mostly on the negitative news that comes out of schools. With that said, each time you DO NOT HEAR about the roanoke schools in a negative light means that the schools are doing their job (the degree to which is debatable, of course...but children are being educated, learning is taking place and a classroom community is working).

[Diamond Dave]

I get so tired of people bashing the city schools. Just stay the hell out in the county with the rest of the Caucasians, drive your SUVs, take the twins to soccer practice, and vote for McCain already.

Grumble grumble grumble...

[DaJerk]

Just stay the hell out in the county with the rest of the Caucasians, drive your SUVs, take the twins to soccer practice, and vote for McCain already.

Ah, so the county is where caucasians live. Thanks for the tip.