Embattled Walker County Schools Superintendent Damon Raines certainly had a large number of supporters in the audience for Friday morning’s specially called session of the Walker County Board of Education. After two hours of executive session, presumably centered on Raines’ ongoing future, the board took no action on the unspecified “personnel matter” at hand. But the longterm question remains for Raines; how long may that community solidarity last?
The board has a regularly scheduled meeting Monday night at LaFayette High School, where critics of Raines’ tenure may respond in kind as his supporters did Friday morning.
Raines, who has served as Superintendent for the past dozen years, has come under criticism from some in the community for perceived transgressions both inside and outside Walker County school campuses.
The most recent complaint from Walker County property owners is the latest tax millage rate, formulated by the Walker County Board of Education as required by Georgia state law.
Within the school system, Superintendent Raines has his critics as well, citing allegations of misconduct such as withholding pertinent information from the parents of students.
Earlier this summer, The Board of Education extended Superintendent Raines’ contract by three years in a move that was questioned by some at the time, noting it was made prior to the seating of two newly elected school board members.
Friday morning, Raines insists he’s up for the job and looking ahead. “No hostility, we have a great working relationship, we don’t agree all the time and that’s normal. When we walk out of that room, our main goal is to do what’s best for our kids,” said Raines after Friday’s board verdict.
Monday night’s school board meeting begins at 6 at LaFayette High School.
By Vince Lennon
