The hiring of a teacher by Walker County Schools has sparked controversy, as it was revealed that Nathan Dawson, a science teacher at Ridgeland High School, had a history of suspension and an alleged inappropriate relationship with a student. Despite being suspended from Hamilton County Schools in 2024, following a report of an inappropriate relationship, Walker County Schools became aware of this suspension in August of this year and still hired Dawson. This decision comes after a 2017 reprimand from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission for sending inappropriate texts to a student while working in Whitfield County Schools. The investigation found that Dawson sent 61 messages in less than 50 minutes to a student in September 2016, which made the student feel uncomfortable. However, the texts were only found on the student's phone, and no inappropriate content was discovered. Walker County Schools' Superintendent, Damon Raines, stated that the district was aware of the reprimand but determined Dawson eligible for hire last year. The district was not aware of Dawson's suspension from Hamilton County Schools until a parent contacted them about the investigation. As of October 2025, Dawson continues to teach at Ridgeland High School, and the school has received no complaints about him in his first year. This case raises questions about the effectiveness of background checks and the potential risks associated with hiring teachers with a history of misconduct.
