2 contested races for the Royal School Board

ROYAL CITY - This fall's elections for the Royal School Board will be interesting, with two contested races.

One of the races pits Ray Valle III against incumbent Mike Noftle for position No. 4. Noftle will soon complete one term. Valle is a recent Royal High grad and business man.

The other race, for position No. 2, will be contested by newcomers Luis Sanchez and Dan Miller. Miller is a farmer who leases land from the district. Sanchez has been a volunteer in the district and has a professional career.

Miller and Sanchez are vying for a chair vacated by Board President Bob Murphy, who decided not to run this year.

Miller is a third generation hay grower on the Royal Slope. He has a degree in agronomy from Washington State University and recently graduated from the Washington AgForestry Leadership program, Class 35. The Royal Slope has been his home since 1973.

"I'm running for the Royal School Board to continue to improve the education all students receive," he said. "I believe the Royal School District is the best district in our area. However, I believe there is always room for improvement."

One area Miller would like to see improved is FFA and vocational programs. He noted Royal Slope residents live in one of the most diverse and productive agricultural areas in the world.

"With experts in multiple crops and cropping systems, I believe we should tap into this knowledge base, and any student interested in agriculture should graduate with real world experience into their chosen career path," he said.

Mike Noftle is seeking his second term. He moved to Royal City in 1996, shortly after graduating from college. His wife Becky is a 1989 graduate of Royal High School.

Noftle is self-employed as an agricultural irrigation consultant. He assists growers with efficient designs and irrigation management strategies.

"Having five children in our schools has afforded me the opportunity to interact extensively with teachers, students, and administrators throughout the district," Noftle said. "My engaged presence provides an invaluable understanding of the challenges and opportunities that face our students and teachers."

"I consider it an honor when staff members seek me out to discuss important issues impacting our district, and I commit to a continued open door policy where their voices can be heard," he added.

Noftle said he will consistently filter issues in the best interest of the community, stakeholders and the students, with an eye toward balancing short-term needs with long-term goals and objectives.

"I pledge to evaluate each decision on a case-by-case basis without any personal agenda or predetermined solution," he said.

Noftle has name recognition. He writes Royal football for the Royal Register and calls the games on Internet broadcasts.

Ray Valle III is well-known in the community, especially with the younger set. He quarterbacked two Royal football teams to state championships.

Ray Valle III is a 2006 graduate of Royal High. He attended Whitworth University for two years before transferring to the University of North Texas, where he received a Bachelor's Degree in business administration with an emphasis in real estate.

Upon graduating, Valle returned to Royal City to help his father, Ray II, manage the family business, Valle Transportation. He also came back to have the opportunity to give back to the community that developed the person he is today.

"Working for our family business has made it possible for me to seek other passions, which include coaching and being an active member in our district," Valle said. "As our community continues to grow, I want to make a difference for tomorrow's leaders by being a voice in our education system."

Valle's mother, Anna Valle, was a member of the school board for eight years. He has witnessed first-hand the demands and challenges of this position.

"I feel confident that I am a qualified candidate for this role," he said. "I look forward to the opportunity to be of service to the Royal School District."

Sanchez is a Royal High graduate and a product of Wenatchee Valley College and Central Washington University. He loves it here and has no intention of moving elsewhere.

"Having lived on the Royal Slope since 1985, I am excited for an opportunity to serve on the Royal School Board," he said.

Sanchez is confident in his ability to help the school district meet the needs of students, educators and community members alike. His motivation for running is to help the school board set a clear set of goals that focus on student achievement, support for all school employees while paying close attention to the fiscal health of the school district.

After graduating from Royal High School, Sanchez earned an Associate of Arts degree from Wenatchee Valley College. Then he secured a Bachelor of Science in Safety and Health Management from Central Washington University.

In 2004, Sanchez accepted a position with the State of Washington Department of Labor and Industries. During those seven years, he gathered information to be presented before various privately owned businesses, state agencies and state courts.

"Working there gave me the familiarity of working with state officials and years of experience in working with state laws and codes," he said. "I will transfer that experience to help the Royal School District maintain a level of accountability that positively impacts student achievement."

Sanchez added that, while working for the state, he learned leadership skills that are necessary for reaching a mutual understanding of ideas while communicating effectively with all persons involved.

Sanchez is now employed by Grant County PUD as the Lead Safety Coordinator. He reviews policies, procedures and work practices in an effort to improve the environment of the employees and district as a whole.

"This skill set is much like that necessary for a school board member, who reviews policies and procedures in order to effectively maintain high student success and a strong fiscal position," he said.

Sanchez has volunteered time at his church, coached various booster sports teams and has participated in the Royal PTO, Bond campaigns and school board meetings.

"I have wholeheartedly enjoyed each opportunity to serve my community," he said.

The Washington Association of School Administrators recognized Sanchez's efforts with the Community Leadership Award for the South Region in 2011.

Sanchez's wife has been a substitute teacher in the Royal School District for five years. and the couple has daughters entering 5th and 7th grade.

"We both graduated from Royal and could not have chosen a better school or supportive community in which to raise our children," he said.

"If elected, I will fulfill my role as a board member with sound judgment, an even temperament, a willingness to collaborate and a sincere interest in public education in Royal City," he added.