DAWSONVILLE, Ga – Dawson County Board of Education selected a new member to fill the open seat on the board Tuesday night, Mr. Barry Slaton.

Slaton is the son of the late member Mr. Roger Slaton and he said he intends to carry out his father’s legacy and is excited to serve on the board.

“It’s an honor, and just like my Dad and many others before him, I intend to take care of the schools and all the people in it. I feel honored to be able to do that,” Slaton said.

He said he does not have any preconceived goals going into the position but wants to keep up the good work that is set in place before him.

“I just want to continue to keep our schools the best in the area, which I think they are, and support our students, teachers, and administrators in any way that I can,” Slaton said.

Slaton grew up in Dawson County is a graduate of Dawson County High School.

He and his wife, Mrs. Lora Slaton, live in Dawson County and own Silver City Group, a real estate company focused in Dawson County and surrounding areas.

Slaton said he is “a Dawson County person through and through,” according to a press release posted on social media by the Dawson County School System.

Elaine Wilson, Chairperson of the Dawson County Board of Education, started out the vote by commemorating Roger Slaton’s time on the board and that they were looking for someone to be able to step in and to continue to serve the community.

Slaton will hold the position on the Dawson County Board of Education until a special election to fill the seat.

The special election for the board seat will be in conjunction with the general election in 2022.