Dan Miller

Since I decided to run for a position on the Royal School Board, many have asked me why I chose to run.

In light of losing my wife Michelle to cancer, I am now more often asked whether I am still running. The answer is yes.

My sons Ty and Colin are entering the eighth and sixth grades. Michelle and I have always believed that an excellent education and "learning how to learn" are critical for our boys and all those in our Royal community.

Michelle always found time outside of raising our sons and being my best tractor driver to volunteer her time helping at the schools in any capacity that she could. My decision to run for School Board is an extension of Michelle's spirit of service and her encouragement.

Having been raised in Royal City and graduating from Royal High School has instilled in me a great pride for our community. Following in the footsteps of generations before me to make my living by farming the Royal Slope's productive soils has given me a perspective on how our school district can best serve our students' needs and prepare them to be productive members of society.

Whether our children choose to stay local and become a part of our diverse agricultural economy upon graduation or go on to college or careers that take them outside the borders of our community, we must always assure that they have the opportunity to learn and develop the skills that they will need to be successful in a competitive world.

For those students who choose to go on to college, we must ensure access to curricula and teachers that will challenge, stretch, and prepare them for the rigors of higher education.

For those who prefer a trade or vocation that doesn't require a college degree, we must equally ensure that they have opportunities to grow in the skills and abilities that will benefit them most.

In all cases we must provide them organization, time management, communication, and life skills and real world experience that will be vital to their success regardless of their chosen path. One of our biggest responsibilities as a school district and community is to inspire and motivate our children to a love for learning that they will be able to draw upon at any stage in life.

I am glad to see our district prioritize more resources for CTE (Career and Technical Education) and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). I am also encouraged by our renewed energy towards building our ag and vocational curriculum and FFA program.

I will be a constant advocate for these programs and be a liaison to the community so that we can draw upon the combined agricultural and technical expertise that we possess to ensure that we can provide a real world perspective and knowledge base to our students.

We have a great district because our children are taught and supported by people who honestly love and care for them and what they become. As a School Board member I will continually be on the lookout for programs and curricula that give our teachers the best tools possible to unlock the potential and futures of our children.

If they choose to work in the fruit industry, we need to make sure they have the skills to be managers and leaders within their organizations. If they choose to be doctors, engineers, or scientists we need to know that we have provided them the fundamental building blocks of success.

I support the current Royal School Board and the direction that they are leading our district. I would honor and appreciate the opportunity to join that team in guiding the educational experiences of our children.