To the Editor:
I am a special education teacher and a mother. In both of these roles, I have had many questions and
concerns with the function of our education system. I have sat in countless staff meetings and listened
time and time again to the new plans laid out by our political leaders. I have heard the grumblings of
teachers and administrators asking: Why the changes, things are fine the way they are? Do these
politicians know anything about teaching? Have they even spent one day in the shoes of an educator?
While I don’t doubt that most politicians strive to make better systems for our schools to achieve a
brighter tomorrow, it really seems like it can be an us vs. them mentality.
When I learned about Ray Young running for State Board of Education, I was especially excited because he
was a teacher for nearly two decades. He has four children and ten grandchildren so he truly understands
the concerns and needs of parents and families. He also spent several years working as principal at both
Lake Local Schools and Sandusky City Schools. He knows what is required and beneficial for managing a
busy school full of teachers, students, and parents.  He has also served on a local school board and
spent several years equipping future educators as an instructor for Bowling Green State University.
Ray Young is running for State Board of Education in hopes to be a voice for the parents, teachers, and
administrators in District 2 who do not feel like their ideas are being heard. He wants to bring a full
spectrum of experience and knowledge to our state leaders with his NW Ohio neighbors being his voice. I
had Ray Young as a teacher and he assisted me at different points during my college education. He
offered his cell phone number and took calls even during holidays and weekends. He is very passionate
about education and extremely knowledgeable. During my college preparations and through these early
years of my career, he has been supportive and encouraging and has offered a great wealth of knowledge
to assist me in my own classroom.  He has offered helpful resources and support when discussing concerns
about the new teacher evaluation system and the Common Core State Standards. He has my vote and I’d like
you to consider him as well.
Julie Torrence
Perrysburg