Imagine entrusting your child's education to someone with a troubling past. A teacher in Walker County is currently in the classroom despite a suspension and a report of an 'inappropriate relationship' while working in Hamilton County. How can parents be sure their children are safe?
Local 3 News conducted an open records request that revealed Walker County Schools knew about the suspension since August of this year. Nathan Dawson is presently employed as a science teacher at Ridgeland High School. But here's where it gets controversial... Walker County Schools hired Dawson in August 2024, even though they were aware of a written reprimand he received back in 2017. This reprimand stemmed from alleged "inappropriate comments" made to a student while he was employed by Whitfield County Schools.
Dawson's suspension from Central High in Hamilton County lasted three days and occurred in February 2024. A letter penned by Superintendent Justin Robertson concluded that Dawson had misrepresented and, crucially, concealed facts during an HR investigation. This investigation revolved around another alleged inappropriate relationship. The district stated they couldn't "definitively determine" if an inappropriate relationship had occurred. However, they did criticize his "unprofessional conduct" during the investigation. And this is the part most people miss... this means that while a direct relationship couldn't be proven, his behavior raised serious red flags for the school administration.
The 2017 reprimand from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission was triggered by reports of inappropriate text messages. The investigation unearthed that Dawson had sent a flurry of texts – 61 messages in under 50 minutes – to a student in September 2016. The very next day, the student confided in a school counselor, expressing that the messages made her feel uncomfortable.
During the investigation, the texts were conspicuously absent from Dawson's phone, only appearing on the student's device. Investigators found no inappropriate content within the messages themselves. It's important to note that Dawson was employed by Whitfield County Schools from August 4, 2014, until he resigned on May 31, 2017. The reprimand, dated July 13, 2017, arrived more than a month after his resignation. So, while the incident occurred during his employment, the formal reprimand came after he had already left the district.
An email from Walker County Superintendent Damon Raines indicates that the district was aware of the 2017 reprimand. Despite this knowledge, they determined Dawson was eligible for hire last year. However, Walker County Schools claims they were unaware of Dawson's previous suspension from Hamilton County Schools until this year. Raines stated that this information came to light when a parent contacted the district regarding Hamilton County's investigation. This raises a critical question: Should school districts be held more accountable for thoroughly vetting potential employees, regardless of previous reprimands or suspensions?
It's worth emphasizing that Dawson has not been criminally charged for any of the allegations found in his personnel file. However, he does face a charge of driving under the influence in Hamilton County from July 2025, with his next court date scheduled for October 23.
As of October 16, 2025, Dawson remains employed at Ridgeland High School. Walker County's superintendent reports that the school has not received any complaints about Dawson during his first year. Does the lack of complaints mean everything is okay? Or could it mean that students or parents are hesitant to come forward? Given his history, is it truly responsible to keep him in a classroom setting? Some might argue everyone deserves a second chance, while others might prioritize student safety above all else. What do you think? Should past indiscretions always disqualify a teacher, or are there circumstances where redemption is possible? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
