ROYAL CITY - There will be an election in November to decide a new member for the Royal School District board of directors in January but, for now, the board is intact and served by five members who grew up in the district.

The big change in January will be the departure of Anna Valle, who was elected to two terms starting in 2003. She was third in a tight three-way primary election for her seat, position No. 4.

That seat will go to Ben Fanning or Michael Noftle. Their election contest will occur on Nov. 8. The winner will be seated in January.

Valle, who was born in Mexico and lived there as a girl, is leaving the post graciously, thankful the community was confident in her and for the opportunity to serve.

"Not only have I learned to understand the school system, but I feel like this opportunity has helped me grow as a person," she said.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed working with the members of the school board as well as the students and the school district as a whole," she added. "I'm thankful for that opportunity."

Valle's first experiences with the United States were as part of a migrant farm worker family of nine siblngs that lived here and there chasing the crops. She was a teenager when the family settled in Royal City in 1980.

Valle met her husband, Ray Valle, here, and this has been her home town ever since. She is involved in the St. Michael Archangel Catholic Church community and has been the secretary for the church the last six years. She's happy with her contribution to the board.

"I feel we have made positive steps toward where we want to be, and I feel future members will continue to do so," she said.

The rest of the school board includes Craig Janett, Mike Scroggins, Bonney Lynch Brown and Robert Murphy.

Brown is the longest-serving member, half-way through her fifth term, or 18 years. Two other members, Janett and Scroggins were her students when she taught at the Royal Middle School.

Brown graduated from Royal High School and has a bachelor of arts in education from Central Washington University. She has been married to businessman Spud Brown for 31 years and has six children and one grandchild.

Brown's commitment to education starts at home. She has encouraged all of her children to pursue college degrees.

"When my twin sons graduate this spring from college, all six of my children will have completed their educations," she said.

Like Valle, Janett is finishing his second term on the board. His position is up for election in November, and he'll likely be elected again. He is unopposed.

Janett is a graduate of Royal High. He has a degree from Washington State University in mechanical engineering. He is an engineer and farmer. He is married and has four children.

"I like watching and working with my kids' activities," he said.

Janett's resume includes stints with Boeing Military Aircraft Co. and the Westinghouse Hanford Co. He is an engineer for Manufacturers Representative Co.

Murphy is also finishing his second term. His election status is the same as Janett's. Unless a write-in candidate surfaces, he will win re-election without opposition.

Murphy grew up on the Royal Slope with 12 siblings. He started school at Red Rock Elementary and graduated from Royal High. He attended Eastern Washington University and came back to the Slope for a successful farming career.

Murphy married a local girl, and they have raised three children. His interests include snowmobiling and learning the game of golf. He has served on various committees and boards.

Scroggins is in the middle of his second term on the board. He and his wife Robin have four children, and all four are graduates of Royal High. He has one grandson.

Scroggins graduated from Royal High in 1980. He attended Brigham Young University for a year and returned to the Slope to farm apples and timothy and alfalfa hay.

"I enjoy watching children grow up in this community," he said. "I personally feel that this school district is a great district to raise a family. We have incredible community support for the school district."

Scroggins serves on the Royal Church of the Nazarene board and the board of directors of CHS Sun Basin.