Incumbent Michael Salanik is seeking another term on the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District Board of Trustees along with incumbents Henry Ford and Valencia Davis. He is being challenged by newcomers Carlton Ansley and David Pericak.

Today, Salanik shares his views.

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“Ask Not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your Country.” — JFK Inaugural address January, 20,1961

As a young boy, first hearing the words of President Kennedy, provided the beginning motivation to serve our nation, state and local community in my life.

I served in the US Navy and won the Sailor of the Quarter Award for my dedication and performance. 

As the only military veteran serving on the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District Board of Education, I have dedicated and devoted over 26 years of service to the Roanoke Rapids Board of Education.

I am a graduate of Leadership Roanoke Valley.

I am a graduate of the inaugural class of Leadership North Carolina graduating in Class I.

I have been awarded the NC Governor's Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service.

As a member of the Roanoke Rapids Graded School System, I have served as chair, vice chair and committee chair.

Awarded “All-State School Board” by the North Carolina School Board Association.

Awarded the “Scholars Circle” by the North Carolina School Board Academy for School Boardmandship, consecutively since 2015. 

I believe in educating and serving the whole child

I believe in a supportive environment that promotes strong and supportive relationships among staff, students and families. 

I advocated for elevated expectations in our schools and the resources to achieve them.

I believe in instructional practices that will strengthen and develop all students’ abilities for their educational pathway towards graduation.

I believe in extended learning opportunities and community partnerships.

I believe in advocating on behalf of our students and schools. 

I have and will oppose school merger at the county level and in the halls of the General Assembly in Raleigh. 

I have lobbied all levels of government for additional funding and educational opportunities for the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District.

I believe in being a leader, and not a manager for the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District.

I believe in working as a team member; open minded with the ability to engage in governance.

Family

My wife, Trisha Carawan Salanik, is a graduate of Roanoke Rapids High School. 

We have raised both of our children in Roanoke Rapids.

Our daughter, Sarah, is a graduate of Roanoke Rapids High School and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro majoring in elementary education. 

Sarah has served as a third grade teacher since graduation in Greensboro.

Our son, Michael Joseph, is a graduate of Roanoke Rapids High School and served as senior class president. 

He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. 

He is an ordained minister and serves as the area director for Fellowship of Christian Athletes at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

My commitment

I have an ardent desire to serve our children and the community with a strong belief in the value of the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District. 

I have the willingness to spend the time required to become informed, and to do the homework needed to take part in effective school board governance. 

You may disagree with me, but you will know I have done my homework.

I am running for reelection to the school board to provide continuity to the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District Board of Education. 

We face multiple challenges ahead of us that require experience and knowledge. 

We will have to navigate the decreased funding from government streams of monies as we emerge from COVID funding. 

We will plan and build a new pre-K with grant monies. 

We will address issues of safety and facilities, curriculum, policy, and finances with new board committees.

We must reach our full potential for the benefit of our students, staff and community.