Russellville's Ray honored by peers

By Staff
Staff reports
MONTGOMERY – The School Superintendents of Alabama's (SSA) 2007 Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Wayne Ray of Russellville City Schools, was honored at the Superintendent of the Year Luncheon held during SSA's Winter Conference in Opelika last week. During the luncheon, Dr. Richard Gardner, SSA's President and Dr. Susan Lockwood, SSA's Executive Director, presented Dr. Ray with an award from the association.
Dr. Ray was represented well at the luncheon, with his wife, staff members, and several system administrators in attendance.
George Crummie, Russellville High School's band director along with the jazz band also joined Dr. Ray at the luncheon with a surprise performance. Dr. Ray will represent Alabama in the National Superintendent of the Year program, sponsored by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) and ARAMARK ServiceMaster Facility Services.
The national winner will be announced March 2, 2007, at the AASAAnnual Conference in New Orleans, LA.
"Dr. Ray is an outstanding superintendent who believes in success for every child and believes that schools should continue to be the hub of the community," SSA Executive Director Dr. Susan Lockwood said. "Dr. Ray…has displayed tremendous leadership and fostered teamwork in a system that has 56-percent free and reduced lunches, 27-percent Hispanic, and 17-percent English Language Learners.
Lockwood added that Ray is described by his peers as possessing the highest character, integrity, professionalism, and dedication.
He is active statewide serving as District President for area superintendents and representing them on the board of the School Superintendents of Alabama.
"In that role he works with superintendents from across the state to impact public policy and promote positive improvements for public schools," Lockwood added. "He is a kind and gracious man as well as a true leader and role model for our profession. The superintendents in Alabama are well represented by Dr. Wayne T. Ray. We are proud he is the 2007 Alabama Superintendent of the Year and that he will represent Alabama to compete for the National Superintendent of the Year."
The School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA) represents superintendents and school system leaders around the state, and is an affiliate of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) and the state affiliate for the American Association of School Administrators.