By RICK KRON
Leader staff writer
Daniel Gray, a third-generation Jacksonville realtor and active member of the Jacksonville World Class Education Organization, announced Wednesday that he was running for the Pulaski County Special School District Board.
Gray will take on incumbent Bill Vasquez, who is currently the board president, provided the state doesn’t step in and dissolve the board between now and school elections Sept. 20.
Gray said he is running because of his passion for Jacksonville, that he is tired of the status quo, and that the city needs its own school district.
“If you are satisfied with the school district and the direction of the board, then I’m not your guy,” Gray told the crowd at the Jacksonville Boys and Girls Club on the opening day of their summer program.
“This is a decision I have not taken lightly,” Gray told the crowd of children, parents, city officials and movers and shakers. “Why, a lot of people have asked me. Well, just look at the past two years alone, and it’s crystal clear why.”
Gray, who was born in Rebsamen Hospital, now North Metro, and educated in local schools, said the district and the board has clearly lost its way. “I want to help it rediscover its purpose.”
Gray made it clear he is solidly behind Jacksonville’s efforts to break away from PCSSD and get its own district. “Until that time though I will make sure our schools get all the resources they are entitled to.”
He said although he’s worked hard with others for Jacksonville, “Imagine what I can do by having an actual vote on the board.”
Gray said Jacksonville has fallen victim too many times to empty promises. “The students and taxpayers of Jacksonville have sacrificed long enough,” he said.
He promised supporters that he would not be quiet about our needs on the school board.
Gray is married to a county school district teacher, and they have two boys who are attending PCSSD schools.
