Candidate Ray Valle: Time for cohesiveness

My name is Ray Valle. I am 27 years old, and I am running for School Board Director, Position 4.

I grew up in Royal City and graduated from Royal High School in 2006. After graduating, I attended Whitworth University in Spokane.

I went on to graduate from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, with a degree in business with a focus on real estate. After earning my degree, I returned to Royal City and currently work for my family’s business, Valle Transportation.

Having recently attended and graduated from the Royal School District, I offer a fresh and personal perspective. My goal as board member is to represent the community as well as being a representative for the board; in essence to help bridge the gap between the two.

I highly respect the accomplishments and the work the current board has done. However, it is time for change, and more importantly, time for cohesiveness within our district.

Speaking with various members of the community, and seeing things for myself, I feel there is a disconnect, which I intend to fix.

I believe Royal School District must take advantage of crucial opportunities for improvement and progress.

An opportunity I intend to seize upon involves developing and expanding the preschool program for all children in our community through a large grant the District receives from a generous grower.

Although the school board is not primarily responsible for providing education at the pre-kindergarten level, aiding in the development of children at this level can significantly impact and prepare them for their academic career.

I would also like to be a part of the development of a building that could house multiple preschool classrooms that enroll all children. We have the resources at our disposal, and I would like to see this project expansion through.

I want to help the community and school district come together to form a strong union. I will remain open minded on all subjects presented to the board, and I will strive to be a voice for our community much like my mother, Anna Valle, was while serving as a school board member.

To this day she continues to field school-related questions as members of our community do not feel as though their voice can be heard with the current board. I intend to use the leadership skills I have acquired throughout my life to be a calming presence in our district during tumultuous times, while maintaining a powerful voice to advocate for our district’s best interests.

My work as basketball coach and volunteer football coach at Royal High School offers me the opportunity to interact with the students and families I will represent if elected.

I am motivated to unite and establish a cohesive board that represents our community. It is my priority to listen and understand the needs of the community and then go the extra mile to resolve any issues that arise.

It would be an honor and privilege to gain your support this November as we all work together for the academic success of all students and for a productive and engaging workplace for Royal School District staff.

I encourage you to contact me with questions or comments you may have. You can reach me anytime at (509)760-5255 or at rayvalle@allmail.net.