Council gives money to each city school

By Staff
Jonathan Willis
The Russellville City Council will give $200,000 to the city school system, but it will be used at the discretion of each school.
The council voted to give the high school, middle school and both elementary schools $30,000 each that will be used by the principals and teachers.
According to city officials, the money will be distributed through the school board but it is all earmarked to go to certain areas.
In addition to the money given to each school, the vocational department at the high school will receive $40,000 for the welding program and the cosmetology department will get $30,000.
"We realize state funds are sometimes short and we wanted to do what we can to help," City Councilman Craig Grissom said.
"Each school will get something."
Grissom said the high school might be able to use the money for a computer lab while other schools need Smart boards and reading programs.
"This money won't be used on anything but the kids," he said.
Councilman Burns Saint said the money would be used at the principal's discretion based on the needs at their school.
"They know what they need better than anyone else," he said.
Councilman Arthur Elliott made a motion to add an additional $10,000 that will be earmarked for the varsity basketball program.
According to city officials, they provide the school system with $1 million each year and pay on a bond issue.
"This is money that we had in the general fund and wanted to use to help the schools," Grissom said.