Allen served five years as head of school
Lindsey Graham – photo credit Stephen Milligan
After five years as the principal of Walnut Grove High School, Lindsey Allen has decided it’s time to call it a day.
While Allen will officially be working within the Walton County School District through November, this month marked the end of his tenure as principal at WGHS, and of nearly three decades in education as teacher or administrator, as he officially retires.
Last Tuesday he presided over the graduation ceremony at WGHS, hugging his son, Garrison, as he walked across the stage for his diploma, to put the cap on his time with the Warriors.
“I’ve been in education for 28 years,” Allen said. “I’ve been in administration for about two decades and been a principal for about 13 years. Being a high school principal is not a job, it’s a lifestyle. It’s just time.”
Allen was hired by the WCSD in April of 2020, in the teeth of the pandemic, taking over for retiring principal Sean Callahan.
Beginning his career in 1998, Allen came to Walton County with extensive experience in education and administration at both the school and district levels, having served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, hearing officer and executive officer of secondary schools in multiple counties.
Over his time in education, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Georgia College & State University, a master’s degree from Brenau University and an educational leadership certificate from the University of Georgia.
Since starting at Walnut Grove, Allen felt he had brought the school to greater heights.
“We’re at the top of our game,” Allen said. “Our test scores are up, our graduation rates are up, student performance is up, our athletic programs are doing great. I feel Walnut Grove is in a great place.”
Allen felt it was time for new blood to come in to keep that streak going rather than let it stagnate without fresh perspective.
“It’s taken a lot of energy to get to this place,” Allen said. “I don’t want to let that slide when others can come in with new energy.
“I think a lot of leaders hang on past when they should and let things slip because they’re afraid to let go of the reins,” Allen said. “I don’t want to do that. I think it’s time for me to step aside and let others take the next steps to keep the school moving forward.”
Allen’s successor has already been chosen, as WGHS assistant principal Amanda Brantley will take over as principal this fall for the Warriors.
Allen said Brantley’s promotion is just the latest example of one of his proudest achievements: seeing his assistants and others he’s had the chance to mentor take the next step to lead on their own.
“I’ve had 16 assistant principals become principals,” Allen said. “That’s a great legacy.”
Allen also said he’s proud of the legacy of culture he leaves behind at Walnut Grove.
“I’m very proud of our culture of taking care of each other,” Allen said. “We have a professional family here. Everyone steps up to help one another and make things better here at Walnut Grove.”
Allen said he couldn’t have done any of it without the help of his staff, or the confidence placed in him by the Walton County Board of Education.
“I’d like to thank the BOE and everyone who helped me to make this school the best it can be,” Allen said.
Although Allen’s time at WGHS is over, he’ll still be working at the central office for a few more months.
“I retire in November so I’ll be with the district until then,” Allen said.
After that, however, he’s yet to make any firm plans.
“I really don’t know,” Allen said of his future direction. “I’m open to anything. I’d like to do something to help develop leaders, but we’ll see what the future brings.”
Until then, though, Allen can reflect on a career that spanned nearly three decades, with the last five right here in Walton County.
“I’m planning to stay here in Walton County,” Allen said. “I’m not going anywhere.”
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