Renton School Board Member Al Talley Sr. Dies

RENTON, WA - A popular and long-serving member of the Renton School Board, Albert Talley Sr., has died, the Renton School District is reporting.

Talley, 82, served on the school board since he was appointed in 2000. The district released a statement about Talley's contributions on Thursday:

"With great sadness Renton School District announces the passing of long-time Renton School Board member Albert Talley, Sr. His impact on local education has been appreciated for decades. His guidance, involvement, and love of life will be missed by many throughout the region.

"Mr. Talley is a Renton institution. For decades, he has served children, families and all of the Renton School District (and Renton community) in his role as School Board Director. Mr. Tally has been a Renton School Board member, including Board President, for more than 16 years, guiding school district policy, hiring superintendents, and serving the district’s nearly 16,000 students and families. Parents and community members trust Mr. Talley to represent and serve the children of the district: In each of his elections for School Board, Mr. Talley was elected with more than 98% of the public vote.

"Mr. Talley’s service to the community went well beyond the school district. He was active in Renton Rotary, including serving meals to families, providing warm winter coats for children and teens, providing free children’s dictionaries, and more; he was Chairman of the Board of the Renton Chamber of Commerce; he was a mentor for children through the Communities in Schools Renton program; served as chairman of the City of Renton’s Human Rights Commission; he stayed active as president of the Puget Sound Senior Softball Association; coached a Renton women’s softball team; and was involved in so many other ways throughout the region.

"In 2005, Mr. Talley was named Renton Citizen of the Year, formally recognizing his contributions that helped to nurture the soul and sense of community in Renton through his selfless acts of generosity and volunteerism.

"Mr. Talley is survived by his wife; their four children Debra, Albert Jr., Michael and Susan; along with many family members."

Read more about Talley's life and contributions to Renton schools here.

Image via Renton Schools