• Originally published November 20, 2009 at 7 p.m., updated November 21, 2009 at 10:35 p.m.

To VISD Board President Lou Svetilk and Superintendent Bob Moore: Although I have enjoyed the honor of serving VISD as a trustee for the past eight-and-a-half years and being a part of all of the many accomplishments that have been made, I have come to a point in time where I must consider the needs of my family.

According to the nepotism laws, as a school board member, members of my family are not allowed to be hired for employment with the district. I understand the reasons for these laws and feel that they are necessary to protect fair hiring practices within the district.

However, I cannot in fairness deny members of my family who are interested in applying for employment the opportunity to pursue that endeavor. Therefore, it has become necessary for me to step aside and put the needs of my family first. It is with greatest respect and hope for a bright future for VISD that I hereby submit my resignation from the office of VISD trustee, District 7, as of Nov. 19.

I apologize to the constituents of my district for not completing the term for which they elected me. Although I am not required to resign immediately, I do not feel it is within the spirit of the nepotism laws to continue to be a board member while members of my family apply for employment. Therefore, I believe that resigning in advance of any such application is the honorable and straightforward thing to do. I appreciate the support and confidence that the voters in Victoria have bestowed upon me and would like to thank them for the honor of being elected to this office for three terms.

Over the years, many people have questioned why I would want to do such a "thankless job," and my answer has always been the same. Being a part of VISD has been a wonderful experience and is rewarding on so many levels.

It is very uplifting to feel the appreciation of parents when you help them get in contact with the right person to resolve a problem. I have had so many gratifying experiences such as working with staff to make changes in policy that help our teachers in the classroom and make their jobs easier, or attending an awards ceremony to recognize the outstanding students who we have in VISD. The most rewarding part of this job is standing on the stage shaking students' hands while giving them their diplomas. The look on the face of students as they realize their goal, especially those who have struggled to make it to that point, is something that I will always remember and that I will miss.

I would like to thank Superintendent Moore for the outstanding leadership and valuable experience he has provided in working with our Board of Trustees and our community to develop a clear vision for the future of VISD. I would also like to thank my fellow board members, past and present, who have brought their diverse backgrounds and opinions together for the benefit our students. Thank you to all of the teachers and staff in VISD who work hard every day striving to help all of our students succeed. I would also like to thank the many people who have helped me during my election campaigns; these faithful supporters walked neighborhoods, placed signs, raised money and were always there whenever I needed them. I owe my successful elections to their hard work and dedication. Thank you to my family and children, who helped with election campaigns, gave me support and understood on the many nights that I wasn't home.

Finally, I would like to thank my wife Val, who has stood behind me, counseled me, encouraged me, supported me and is the reason that I have enjoyed the successes in my life.

It has been very exciting and rewarding to be a part of VISD, especially the bond election and the construction of the schools now in progress.

We have come such a long way.

However, I feel confident that VISD has an excellent group of trustees and an outstanding superintendent to see these projects through to fruition.

I hope the seeds that we have planted will thrive and grow into something that will benefit the children of Victoria for generations to come and make VISD a shining example for other districts.

H. Ray Walden is a resident of Victoria and has served on the Victoria school district board of trustees for eight-and-a-half years.

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