At Madison Board of Education’s meeting on May 20, outgoing board president Ray White, at left, listens as Mayor Troy Trulock reads a proclamation deeming May 20 as “Ray White Day.” (Record Photo/Nick Sellers)

MADISON – Since 2005, S. Ray White Jr. has volunteered countless hours with Madison Board of Education … several years as president. White presided at his last meeting on May 20.

During his tenure, he has been pleased with the board’s “unwavering focus on students and academics. We’re a national leader. (The district) maintained this excellence while managing explosive growth.”

White considers financial management in building James Clemens High School as “a great accomplishment (and) seven-year process. Also, we worked to keep Bob Jones High School strong through a much needed $20 million renovation … in fiscally sound manner through BRAC bonds,” he said.

What does Madison still need? “A new elementary school,” White said, citing current capacity at 92 percent with more anticipated growth.

His main concerns are “maintaining our passion. Remember the grit and passion and how many decades it took to (reach) this level. Success didn’t happen overnight, but it can end overnight if we develop a sense of entitlement.”

Also, “Madison will cease to be special if it matters where you live. (Children) always have been able to go to a high-quality school,” White said. Schools also need upgrades to technology infrastructure.

For White, a teacher standout was freshman biology teacher Barbara Turner. “I wasn’t very talented in science. However, Mrs. Turner demanded our best effort. She didn’t tolerate any excuses.” Turner prepared White for “real life. She truly loved all students.”

In bidding farewell to White, Mayor Troy Trulock proclaimed May 20 as “Ray White Day.” Connie Spears presented the Alabama House of Representatives’ resolution for White’s service. Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler said, “Any accolade that I would ever receive (as superintendent) I would have to lay at Ray’s feet.”

A certified public accountant, White is managing partner of Warren Averett LLC. A native Madisonian, White earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting at the University of Alabama.

His wife Lia is a homemaker. Their children are Sid, UA junior majoring in accounting and Spanish; Grant, freshman business major at UA; and Caroline, Bob Jones High School sophomore.