Aaron Lyles speaks of his campaign for Valley School Board seat

Dear Editor,

Running to represent the Valley District on the Botetourt County School Board has been an incredible honor. I’ve enjoyed meeting so many of you listening to your concerns, and your expectations of your next School Board member. I entered this race because I believe that the experience I’ve gained from serving on the Roanoke Valley Greenways Commission, and the Blue Ridge Soil and Water Conservation District could be useful to the County.

Working with budgets and having to bring people of opposing opinions together to get things done is something I am already experienced in. I also entered the race because we need an advocate in the Valley District who will work closely with our teachers, our students and parents, and make sure they know they have a voice. We need to expand on the great work we’re doing at BTEC, offering even more programs for students to choose from.

School safety must be a top priority for the next School Board. We must find a way to address our declining school age enrollment numbers, our ballooning budget, and work to address our reading test scores. We can work to build a better Botetourt, but it’s going to take a School Board member who is willing to roll up their sleeves and get to work on day one.

I am proud that my campaign has been endorsed by Troutville Mayor David Horton, Republican nominee for Commissioner of Revenue Chris Booth, 2015 candidate for the Valley District School Board seat Donald Helms, Former Botetourt County Republican Committee Chairman Paul Graybill Sr., and former candidate for Botetourt County Sheriff, Mike Vineyard. We are also honored to have the support of former Congressman Virgil Goode.

However, the endorsements I’m most proud of are the ones I’ve earned at the doors. As you go to the polls next week, I’d humbly ask for your support, and your vote to be your next School Board member for the Valley District. Thank you.

–Aaron Lyles