Russellville City Schools February board meeting started on a happy note, as Superintendent Heath Grimes took the time to recognize several achievements made by RCS students and faculty.

First, Grimes called up the students from Russellville High School who participated and placed in the Alabama Vocal Association’s All-State Choir and Chorus and gave them each a certificate of recognition. All-State Show Choir included Patrick Crummie and Abby Montgomery. All-State SATB Chorus included Sydney Burcham and Patrick Crummie. All-State SSA Chorus included Macey Vandiver, Abby Montgomery and Kaitlin Weeks. All-State Middle School Treble Chorus included Kaitlyn Balding, Madeline Cooper and Ella Burcham.

“For All-State Show Choir you have to make All-State Chorus too, but it’s two separate auditions. The Show Choir audition requires a dance and vocal portion, and the Chorus audition requires them to sing six or seven songs, which includes a foreign language and some really challenging pieces,” choir director Emily Rush said.

Next, Grimes recognized baseball coach Chris Heaps for his achievements and the Golden Tigers baseball team’s achievements.

“Teamwork makes the dream work,” Heaps said. “If it wasn’t for the support from administration, the parents and the community, we wouldn’t be where we’re at today. I’m proud of the students’ accomplishments and the high standard they hold.”

Lastly, Grimes recognized RHS Principal Jason Goodwin for his personal accomplishments and for the recognitions and awards that RHS has recently received.

“I’m receiving this on behalf of the entire school system. Without the teachers’ and the students’ hard work, this wouldn’t have been possible,” Goodwin said.

The business portion of the meeting included the following actions by the board:

• Approved the invoices for the month, which totaled $535,877 and included the RMS classroom addition project, the RMS gymnasium renovation project, RHS media center flooring, monthly bond payment to the City of Russellville and the monthly payment to the City of Russellville for school resource officers.
• Approved the budget amendment to reflect federal carryover money and other changes.
• Approved the RMS Scholars Bowl Team to travel to Hoover to participate in the Alabama Scholastic Competition Association Middle School State Tournament.
• Approved the proposals requested for the financing of 10 CE 72-passenger propane-powered buses to be purchased in April. CB&S Bank was selected to provide the financing.
• Approved the resignations of Linda Gable, CNP worker, effective Jan. 11, and Mark Heaton, RHS teacher, head football coach and athletic director, effective June 30.
• Approved the hiring of Brea Colagross as RHS computer science teacher effective for the 2018-19 school year.
• Approved the hiring of bus drivers Chad Whitfield and Willard Mitchell contingent upon their completion of the bus driver certification.