WHEREAS, Dr. Ray Tolcacher, prior to coming to Washington state in 1992, served as superintendent of the Windsor Unified School District in California for three years; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Ray Tolcacher also served as President of the Association of California School Administrators, the largest umbrella organization for school leaders in the United States, serving more than 17,000 California educators; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Ray Tolcacher has held several leadership roles in Washington state, including Southeast Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) Region 123 President, Employee Relations and Negotiations Network three-time state President, and Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) School Information Research Cooperative Board Member; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Ray Tolcacher was named Washington State Administrator of the Year for the 2016-17 National History Day; and

WHEREAS, The University of La Verne recently recognized Dr. Ray Tolcacher as a distinguished alumnus whose significant professional achievements earned him a spot among the University's 125 Notable Leos for Life; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Ray Tolcacher created, and was the host of, an informational TV show about education in Washington state called School Scene Magazine; and

WHEREAS, Two little known facts about Dr. Ray Tolcacher include a stint as "Mr. Principal" on the children's television series Romper Room, and that his college roommate was Cheech Marin, of Cheech and Chong fame; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Ray Tolcacher was an expert in developing district policies that addressed a wide array of issues. Dr. Ray Tolcacher was also a highly effective advocate at the legislative level who testified many times in front of legislative committees to advocate for children. His work and advocacy on levy equalization saved many districts from financial hardships; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Ray Tolcacher led the Prosser school district to numerous academic and athletic achievements, including consistently high test scores and several state championships in football; and

WHEREAS, During his final two years in Prosser, Dr. Ray Tolcacher also led a team of dedicated staff and community members to pass the first capital projects bond in 23 years;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives honor Dr. Ray Tolcacher as a visionary leader who advocated for students and teachers throughout his career; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Dr. Ray Tolcacher.