The coulee area is a long ways from Chicago, Illinois.

That's where Grand Coulee Dam School District Director Richard Black was born. But there's been a lot of life in between.

The bulk of his growing-up time was spent near Los Angeles, California, and most of the rest was courtesy of the U.S. Navy.

Captain Richard Black (Navy retired) is seeking a four-year term for Position 5 on the school board, the seat he now holds.

Black was named to the school board about 15 months ago while still a staff member of the school district.

For the past 10 years, Black has had a variety of positions with the school district here.

The past six have included three years as assistant principal and six years as athletic director.

"It hurts when I hear people say bad things about our school district," Black stated. "I know firsthand that we have an excellent teaching staff and administration."

"I believe I can effectively serve the district and the people of the district on the school board," he added.

Black also praised the student body as "a great bunch of kids."

Black moved to the Los Angeles area at a very young age, when his father nailed down a job as a design engineer with an aircraft firm.

There, he attended all grades and went to the University of California State College.

That's when the Navy beckoned and kept him busy for the next 30 years.

Black had command assignments in a number of posts; one of the best and most educational was in Greece, where his wife, Linda, could be with him.

Upon retirement, Black and his wife chose the Grand Coulee area because his in-laws were here.

While starting retirement, Black went on to get his bachelor's and master's degrees at Eastern Washington University.

"I know how the school system works," Black said, adding that re-election would "enable me to do an effective job on the school board."

Black is being challenged by Kelly N. Steffens.