By Michael V. Hannigan
When Athens ISD school board member Raymond Williams stepped down last week just a month after being reelected, the big question was why. Well, I spoke to Mr. Williams today and the answer was pretty simple: He put being a father first.
Mr. Williams stepped down so that his daughter can become a teacher at Athens ISD. Jordan was the 2007 valedictorian from Athens High School and has earned not only her bachelor’s degree, but also her master’s.
She will be joining Athens ISD as an elementary teacher.
Because of nepotism rules, Jordan could not be hired while her father was on the school board.
“I think she’ll do a great job,” Mr. Williams said. “I think she’ll do much better as a teacher than I ever did as a school board member. I think it is a good switch for Athens,” he joked.
Athens ISD will be Jordan’s first job after college and a chance for her to come home.
“I have to honor my daughter by being a father first,” Mr. Williams said.
The rules allow for Mr. Williams to run for the school board again after his daughter is hired, and he hasn’t ruled out that possibility.
Last week, the school board appointed Eric Smith to fill the seat vacated by Mr. Williams. That appointment is only until the next election, however, so the seat will be up for election once again next May.