Ribbon Cutting Held to Dedicate “Ernest Ray Education Center”

A ribbon cutting was held Thursday evening to officially rename the Board of Education building the “Ernest Ray Education Center” on the public square.
Ray was on hand for the occasion surrounded by members of his family, the Board of Education, Director of Schools, school staff, Chamber Director Suzanne Williams, along with many friends and former students and co-workers of Mr. Ray.
In July, the Board of Education voted to rename the central office building in honor of Ray, who served more than 30 years as an educator, principal, and Superintendent of Schools.
“I appreciate this. I did not expect it. Director of Schools Patrick Cripps called me and told me it had happened and I told him no but he said it’s too late, it’s already happened. I certainly don’t feel worthy of this but I’m proud,” said Ray.
Mr. Ray began his teaching career 54 years ago in 1962 at Eastside School in Cannon County. He took the job because there was no opening in DeKalb County. He spent two years at Eastside where he taught seventh and eighth grade science, coached girls basketball, and became principal.
In 1964, Mr. Ray became a teacher at College Street School in Smithville where he taught seventh and eighth grade science and again was a girls basketball coach. After eight years there, he moved to Smithville Elementary School where he spent six years as principal.
Ray was transferred to DeKalb Middle School as principal in 1978 and then moved to DeKalb County High School where he served as principal from 1984 to 1992.
After taking a two year retirement, Mr. Ray entered the political arena and was elected Superintendent of Schools. He served one term from 1994-98. He was DeKalb County’s last publically elected Superintendent before the state law was changed to require county school systems to have Directors of Schools appointed by their Boards of Education. He chose not to seek the position of Director after his elected term.
Mr. Ray and his wife Elene now reside near Clarksville, only seven miles from their son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren. The Ray’s still have a home in Smithville and visit family and friends here often.