It was a day to honor students and retiring faculty at the May 26th meeting of the Russellville City Schools Board of Education.
The board hosted a reception for the 12 employees who retired effective the end of the 2015-16 school year. Those individuals included: Lynn Bolton, Melody Fergerson, Carolyn Hubbard, Betty McKinney, Gary McNutt, Ed Nicholson, Jimmy Rea, Gina Robbins, Doris Searcy, John Smith, Charlotte Townsend and Judy Vafeas.
Superintendent Heath Grimes and the board also recognized the accomplishments of several students and athletic teams this spring.
Russellville Middle Schools students Miranda Haithcock, Lily Pounders and Karly Tidwell, all 7th graders, scored above the 95th percentile on the state standardized testing and were recognized by the Duke University Talent Program. The students also took the ACT and each scored at least a 21 on one or more subjects as 7th graders.
“We're proud of our students' success in the classroom and on the field and we're honoring both today,” Grimes said.
The RHS varsity softball team was also honored. Coach John Smith's team finished 38-20 and earned its first trip to the State Tournament, finishing as runner-up in Area 14 and in the North Region. Smith was named Times-Daily Softball Coach of the Year for 2016.
Also honored by the board was the RHS girls varsity golf team. The Lady Golden Tigers finished fourth in the State Tournament after a first-place finish at Sectionals and 2nd at Substate. The team was comprised of all freshmen and sophomores and is expected to make a deep run for a state title next year.
In other action, the board:
--accepted retirement in position from Gina Robbins, RES reading teacher, and Susie Malone, RHS teacher. Malone's retirement will be effective October 1, 2016
--accepted transfer in position from Gabe Willis to RHS Instructional Coach and Jeremy Willis to Band Director/Teacher at RHS. Willis was hired to replace Gary McNutt, who recently retired.
--approved a one-year contract for RHS Principal Jason Goodwin and approved employment in position for Clint Isbell, RMS teacher.
--approved Grimes' recommendation pursuant to the Declaration of Reduction in Force Plan, to lay off RHS chorale teacher Joey Derr.
“As a result of declining enrollment, we eliminated his position and will now offer drama and chorale at RHS through shared teaching of our Russellville Middle School teachers Patrice Smith and Emily Rush,” Grimes said. “These actions come in recognition that the current teaching unit was not being efficiently used.”
--elected Greg Trapp President and Bret Gist Vice-President for the 2016-17 school year.
--set its meeting schedule next year on the fourth Thursday of each month at 3:30 p.m., for its regular business meeting.
--heard a report from Grimes encouraging students in grades 10-12, parents, alumni and community members to complete a survey in the coming weeks to help the system prepare a five-year strategic plan. Access to the online survey can be found at www.rcs.k12.al.us.
--approved facility use requests on August 20 for the RHS Majorettes' Watermelon Run, Sept. 24 for the Tri-State Kudzu Klassic Festival of Bands, January 13-14, 2017, use of the RHS Fine Arts Center and Auditorium for Northwest Alabama Honor Band and February 17-18 for ABA District III Honor Band, June 6-7 use of RHS Baseball Stadium for youth summer baseball camp and June 3-4 use of RHS softball facilities for summer travel tournament.
--set its next regular board meeting for Thursday, June 30, at 3:30 p.m., with work session June 27 at 3:30 p.m.
