Russellville City Schools Board of Education conducts monthly business

The Russellville City Schools Board of Education held its regular meeting Nov. 17.

Superintendent Heath Grimes reported the state English language director came to Russellville City Schools Nov. 9 to observe how RCS is handling things. “They said we were doing an amazing job,” said Grimes. “I think that what we’re doing with English Language Learners in the state is a good model.”

Grimes said lawmakers and state department officials will be visiting classrooms Dec. 10 to see how everything looks in terms of carrying out the Literacy Act.

“There’s some pressure to try to take English Language Learners out of the act if they’ve had EL instruction for two years,” Grimes explained, “and we think that should say for five years instead of two, in order to match the research. Research has shown it takes five to seven years and possibly even six to eight years.”

Grimes reported the RHS construction completion date continues to be pushed back. It was projected for February and is now estimated to be May.

“I believe before it’s over, we’ll actually be looking at it being ready hopefully in time for school to start in the fall,” Grimes added.

The board approved the following personnel moves:

• Resignations: Alissa Moore, RMS volleyball coach, effective Aug. 4.
• Employment: Rachel Rouse Kirby, special education teacher at RES, effective Dec. 1, and Tori Padron, RMS volleyball coach, effective Aug. 4.
• Retirements: Denise Allen, bookkeeper at WES, effective Jan. 1, 2022, and Cara Townsend, teacher at RES, effective Nov. 22.