Recognition Month honors school board members

The first school board meetings of 2018 were special for the Russellville City Schools and Franklin County Schools board of education members who were recognized for their hard work and dedication to the county schools in honor of School Board Member Recognition Month. Administration from all of Russellville City Schools attended the first RCS board meeting of 2018, held Jan. 25. Cindy Coan and RHS’ family and consumer sciences department set up a breakfast reception, and administrators presented the school board members with gift bags to help show their appreciation.

The special Recognition Month was also observed at January’s Franklin County Board of Education meeting.

Belgreen Principal Ann Scott and some of her student ambassadors attended the meeting and gave the board members and Superintendent Greg Hamilton individual gift bags with a popcorn and movie theme. Scott explained that they chose the theme because they credited the board with being their “ticket to success.”

Tharptown Elementary Principal Kelby Daniel along with TES teachers and students also attended the meeting and gave out gift bags with a “superheroes” theme. Teacher Lisa Gann said the board members are their superheroes for all of their support and hard work they give to the schools.

RCS board members also:

• Approved the invoices for the month, which included two Blue Bird school buses, the RMS classroom addition project and the RMS gymnasium renovation project.
• Approved a contract with Larry Kennedy to clean the middle school gymnasium after basketball games for RMS and RHS games this season.
• Approved the 2017-18 athletic schedules for spring sports, including any changes that could occur due to cancellations or rainouts.
• Announced solicitation of bids for a five-year lease agreement with a Liquefied Petroleum Gas supplier. One bid was received from AmeriGas.
• Approved the 2018-19 RCS calendar.

FCS board members also:

• Approved out-of-state trips for Belgreen High School, Tharptown Elementary School, Tharptown High School, Red Bay second grade and Phil Campbell High School.
• Approved mileage rate reimbursement paid to individuals traveling in privately-owned vehicles on official business from 53.5 cents per mile to 54.5 cents per mile, which Chairperson Mike Shewbart said is the IRS recommended rate.
• Approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of the Capital Outlay Pool Warrant, Series 2017, which will be used for the construction of the Tharptown Elementary Classroom Addition. According to Superintendent Greg Hamilton, six classrooms will be built as part of phase two.
• Approved the compensation agreement paying Debbie Rambo, special education aide at East Franklin Junior High School, $900 in compensation for taking care of picking up and selling items for concession.
• Approved a $500 stipend to be paid to LeAnn Moore, Phil Campbell High School Yearbook Sponsor, for working after school hours in creating the yearbook and monitoring the student yearbook staff.