The Board of Education voted last week to honor a long-time DeKalb County educator by naming the Board of Education Building for him.

The building will be named in honor of Ernest Ray, who taught in the classroom, served as principal at Smithville Elementary School, DeKalb Middle School, and DCHS, and was elected as Superintendent of Schools. Ray was the last elected superintendent in DeKalb County in 1994 before a new state law began requiring superintendents or directors of schools to be appointed by the school board. When his term ended, Ray chose not to seek another term by appointment.

“We have a gentleman that everyone in this county knows,” Board Chairman W.J. (Dub) Evins, III said at the meeting of the school board last week. “I had him as a teacher. He was a classroom teacher and later principal. It’s our proposal to name this building, whether it be in the form of a plaque or renaming the building, but to name it in honor of Mr. Ernest Ray. This man has probably touched everyone’s life in this county in one way or another and always in a positive way. I’m proud we can do this.”

Board Member Danny Parkerson suggested that a sign with Ray’s name be placed on the building, and the other board members agreed to ask Director of Schools Patrick Cripps to look into the cost.