Sandra Ray is Democratic nominee for District 7 Representative
on Alabama State Board of Education

       Sandra Ray, who currently represents District 7 on the State Board of Education and is a well-known business and civic leader in West Alabama, has launched her campaign for re-election for the upcoming term.  A Democrat, Ray did not face opposition in the June primary and is the party's nominee. 
       Ray, who has served on the Board and represented District 7 for the last decade, said, "Alabama public schools and two-year colleges now have some of the highest performance standards in the United States.  These standards and hard work by professors, teachers, and students, under the encouragement of the State Board, have provided more efficient, coordinated delivery of quality classroom education resulting in improved communication among all.  We have come a long way, and I believe progress can be accelerated during my next term of service."
       First elected to the Board in 1994, Ray has worked to improve K-12 schools by reducing the number of students in each classroom, improving reading through the nationally recognized Alabama Reading Initiative, and raising expectations for our colleges of education.  As a result of her involvement. high school courses are now aligned with those in two-year colleges so students will have the necessary skills for success in the workplace and college.
       "Our first grandchild was born the day after I was first elected in 1994; we now have eight...eight additional reasons for me to work to make sure we have quality education in Alabama.  My goal as a member of the State Board is to give all families the best possible opportunity to help their children succeed," Ray emphasized.  "Whatever our high school graduates do, the will have the tools to achieve their dreams right here in Alabama.  Business and industry leaders tell us they have never before seen a better prepared pool of young talent than our public schools and two-year colleges are now producing..  That gives me tremendous pride and satisfaction in our Board effort today, but more improvement ins needed and will be my goal."
       Alabama taxpayers have asked elected officials to strengthen performance measures in the public schools and that is precisely what has occurred, Ray observed.  She cited the extensive level of teacher training, uniform standards and reporting tools now in place through efforts of the State Board of Education.
       "I strongly believe in local control," she said.  "The State Board will continue to set high standards, but I will work to make sure that decisions that need to be made on the city, county and system level(s) will be made there."
       "While many strong, new and innovative programs have begun during my service on the State Board, we still face many challenges.  Though proud of my past service on the Board, there is more work to be accomplished and I will ask the taxpaying voters to support me in those efforts.  The citizens of Alabama have made a sizeable investment in public education and I am committed to providing the with the highest possible return."
       Sandra Ray's State Board of Education responsibilities include policy and oversight approval for K-12 schools and the two-year colleges.  Although the colleges are a primary source of workforce training for students of all ages and interest, a solid, basic foundation is essential at the elementary and secondary levels.  As the owner of a small real estate company, she is well aware that business and industry need well-educated employees.
       "I support programs and policies that give our citizens access to education.  It is vital that all in education work closely with the business community so that successful recruiting can continue for industries such as Mercedes-Benz, Boeing, and their suppliers by providing the skills employees need," Ray emphasized.
       A native of Tuscaloosa, Sandra Ray attended public schools and holds a bachelor's degree in education from The University of Alabama.  "I want to help our students be prepared for the future and I want that future to be bright and here in my district of northwest and central Alabama," she said.
       Sandra Ray has been a member and chair of the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education.  She served on the State Textbook Committee and as Alabama Association of School Boards Director.  She is a member of the Samford University Board of Overseers and was honored as Outstanding Citizen Educator by the Phi Delta Kappa education honorary.  She is Rotarian and has served as a director of the West Alabama chapters of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.  Mrs. Ray and her husband, Martin, are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa.
       Education involvement is a long-standing family tradition.  Retired Jefferson County Superintendent, Dr. J. Revis Hall, is her father.  Her daughter, Michele, is a teacher in the Tuscaloosa County Schools, and her son, Byron, teaches at Shelton State Community College.  Step-daughter, Allison, runs Mrs. Ray's real estate office and serves as contact for her State Board activities.  Step-son, Borden, practices law with his father, and, like the other family members, supports and has a child in public school.
       District 7 includes Colbert, Fayette, Franklin, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion, Winston, Walker, and Tuscaloosa counties. 
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