Diplomas for the 2013 graduating class at both LaFayette and Ridgeland high schools will bear the signature of a new superintendent: Damon Raines.
The Walker County Board of Education last week announced that Raines had accepted their offer to head the 14-school system following the retirement of Superintendent Melissa Mathis.
“He was definitely our first choice,” said Patty Hart, chairwoman of the school board. “It was important for us to find someone that could continue what is here while bringing some fresh ideas to further improve our system.”
Raines has 14 years experience with the nearby Catoosa County Public Schools, where he has been teacher, assistant principal and principal. He currently serves as director of operations for the system and its 17 schools.
“My passion is the students and seeing them achieve,” Raines said. “My background in business and eduction led to this. I’d always thought I was following a path that would lead to my ending up as a superintendent some day, but this was kind of out of the blue.”