Ray Abril Jr Dies:

Longtime board member Abril dies
Ryan Hagen, Staff Writer
Posted: 12/14/2010 08:09:49 PM PST

Ray Abril Jr., a long-time school board member sometimes known as the "godfather of the Colton Joint Unified School District" for his extensive mentoring and encyclopedic knowledge, died Tuesday morning. He was 78.

Abril joined the board in 1973 to end what supporters say was institutional discrimination against Latinos in Colton. By the time he retired in 2001, he had broadened his vision and shaped a generation of students, educators and administrators.

"He was an icon in Colton and beyond," said Herb Fischer, who was superintendent of schools in Colton from 1991 to 1999 and county superintendent of schools from 1999 to 2008. "His legacy lives on."

It was at a breakfast meeting with Abril - even after retirement, he met regularly with dozens of people - that Robert Armenta Jr. decided to run for the retiring lion's seat.

"It's because of him I'm on the Colton school board," said Armenta, then a staffer in the State Assembly. "He made me realize we didn't need professional educators on the board; we need people who care about the district."

Abril never taught in a classroom. He graduated from Colton High School in 1950, then dropped out of business college after one month to join the Navy.

He worked for Griffin Wheel Co. and San Bernardino County, joking he had a PhD from USC - the University of South Colton.

But Abril ardently supported higher education. During his six years as school board president, district officials say, the percent of district students to attend college rose from 16 to 54 and dropout rates declined from 12.4 percent to 1.6 percent, helping him earn both the San Bernardino County Education Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Award in 2000.

Abril's accomplishments also drove the school board to consider naming a high school in Grand Terrace after him, drawing fierce criticism from residents who wanted to honor the city. When completed, the school will be known as Grand Terrace High School at the Ray Abril Jr. Educational Complex.

Abril had six children, 19 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. His daughter, Melinda Medina, said he taught them the most important lesson: "Do not be afraid to speak up. People will love you for who you are."

A memorial viewing service will be held Dec. 20 in the Colton High School auditorium.
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Gramps Note:
Ray Abril Jr. served all the people of his community and CJUSD, not just the Latino students or community. When we all can see that the seeds he sprouted will have taken firm root.