Russellville schools prepare for new year with in-service, luncheon
Russellville City Schools kicked off the new year with an in-service meeting that brought together more than 360 employees for training, updates and a staff luncheon.
The event marked the official start of the 2025-26 school year for employees. Superintendent Dr. Tim Guinn said the system expected to welcome approximately 2,622 students on the first day of school.
The in-service gave staff an opportunity to reconnect, receive information and gather classroom materials. Dr. AnnaKay Holland, career tech director at Russellville High School, opened the meeting with a devotional. Principals from each school introduced new faculty members joining their teams.
The Alabama Education Association distributed its 2025-26 Member Guide, planning calendar and benefits overview. CB&S Bank and the University of North Alabama shared information about their services. Mandy Cummings, representing the Franklin County Helping Families Initiative, provided materials to support students facing truancy or disciplinary issues.
Following the meeting, employees gathered at Russellville First Baptist Church for lunch. Pastor Chase Dowdy welcomed the crowd. Youth Director Joel Davis led games and awarded door prizes, assisted by the church’s minister of music, Garrett Booth, and several church youths.
Teachers returned to their classrooms after lunch to finish preparing for the new school year.
Beth Gilmer, who teaches 12th-grade English and AP/dual enrollment courses, said the high school’s transition to a block schedule would bring both challenges and opportunities.
“I’ve taught for 31 years, so I’m used to a certain structure,” Gilmer said. “But I’m excited to try creative ways to keep students engaged with longer class periods.”
She also noted that the school’s AP program has grown and now includes dual enrollment options through Northwest Shoals Community College. A grant provides two free college classes each semester for eligible students.
“Many of our students graduate with enough hours to begin college as sophomores,” she said.
Cindy Coan, child nutrition director for the school system, said the district continues to serve all students breakfast and lunch at no cost through the Community Eligibility Provision. She said families with two children save about $500 per month.
On the first day of school, the Nutrition Department served about 1,200 breakfasts and 2,070 lunches across the district, including meals for Pre-K, Community Action Head Start, SPAN and the Foster Grandparents program.
Susie Hovater Malone is the president of the Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council, the nonprofit that manages the historic Roxy Theatre in downtown Russellville. She is also a retired teacher from Russellville City Schools.
