Rick Hays graduated from Slater High School in 1973 and has served on the board of education for 14 years. Rick is married to wife Connie and they have 3 sons, Shaun, Brett, and Dustin. Rick says, "My family has been very supportive of my involvement on the board. My dad served 12 years on the board and that was a big influence. Our son Shaun would have to be the biggest influence in my life though. Being a parent of a severely handicapped child helps to bring balance to my life. By that I mean, being a part of his life helps me deal with problems I might have faced professionally or personally and motivates me to want to give back to others. I have never used my family or any group as a tool for being on the board, as I have tried to serve everyone's interest, politely listen to anyone, and then make fair decisions in the best interest of the school district. My family has been very supportive of that philosophy." He also states that some of the most enjoyable moments of being a board member are "seeing the students and staff achieve personal and group goals, as well as, having a student or a teacher come up to you and just say 'thanks'." Rick's goals for the future of Slater include giving every student and teacher the needed tools to achieve the goals that they have set for themselves, and see them through, and to continue to have a school for everyone in the community to be proud of.

Words of Wisdom for Slater Students from Rick Hays...."Enjoy the moment." "School memories last forever." "Don't let anyone tell you that because you are from a small school you can't be successful." "Don't look back in life and say I wish I would have done THAT in school.. Do IT now!"