By Ron Barry
Managing Editor
Brooks Rawson is coming home – not that he’s ever been that far away.
Rawson, currently the principal at Bells Elementary School, has been selected by the Alamo City School Board as the next Director of Schools for the Alamo City School District once Reecha Black’s retirement becomes effective on July 1, 2023.
But actually, Rawson will zip the five miles north up State Route 88 to begin his employment on January 1, 2023 in the role of Assistant Director, working with Black to ensure a smooth transition.
Rawson was the Principal at Alamo City School for eight years before moving to the Bells position in 2016. Alamo School Board Chairman Jordan Spraggins had high praise for both Rawson and Black in making the announcement.
“Brooks is devoted to the youth of Crockett County through education, sports, church, and other community involvement,” Spraggins said. “He has a desire to serve the people in our community and invest in the future of Alamo. He knows our people and our families and looks forward to meeting all those he has yet to meet. He is excited about coming back to Alamo and what the future holds.”
Rawson, the brother of Crockett County High School volleyball coach Bobby Rawson, is ready for the new challenge.
“I am excited to return to the place where my career began many years ago and where I have great memories,” he said. “It is my goal to begin building relationships with the staff and to continue the ‘Tradition of Excellence’ that has stood the test of time here.”
Alamo’s School District has been honored in the past with an Exemplary designation under Black’s leadership and currently is also considered by the Tennessee Department of Education as a “Best For All” District. Ironically, Rawson has been instrumental in helping the Bells School District attain Exemplary status, a designation that was just announced this week by the State.
Spraggins explained that this past May at the School Board retreat, Black informed the Board that she was ready to retire, but wanted to make sure there was adequate time to have a smooth transition. With Rawson coming aboard January 1 in the assistant’s role, that transition is guaranteed.
“Under Reecha’s leadership, Alamo City School has continued to excel in public education,” Spraggins said. “She has selflessly served this district by stepping out of retirement and leading the district to Exemplary status during a global pandemic. While we regret her exit as Director, we look forward to building upon the solid foundation that she has helped to build. She will continue to be involved in the school system on a part-time basis where she will support the new Director. She has impacted this district in incredible ways and has set high expectations for her successor.”
Alamo School Board members are Spraggins, Vice-Chair Shannon Haynes, Patrick Conley, Lawrence Harden, and Charlie Moore.
