RCS approves fire alarm replacement project

RUSSELLVILLE — The board of education has approved a $320,396 fire alarm replacement project for the band and auditorium areas at the high school.

Superintendent Dr. Tim Guinn said the board approved the quote from Global Fire after no bids were received when bids were opened April 28.

Guinn said concerns involving the system had existed for about a year. He referenced problems that surfaced following a November storm that forced sprinkler systems in part of the building to be shut down during cleanup efforts.

Guinn said schools are not supposed to operate without functioning sprinkler systems unless temporary “fire watch” procedures are put in place.

He said designated employees inspected hallways and rooms throughout the building every 30 minutes while the system remained offline.

The board approved a quote from Global Fire for the project after no bids were received when bids were opened April 28.

In other business the board:

• Approved the low bid of $532,000 from Hovater’s Metal Works Inc. for planned canopies at Russellville High School.

• Elected Howard Hillman president of the board of education. Hillman succeeds Kim Clonts. Ike Rogers nominated Hillman, and Radford Hester seconded the nomination before the board approved the nomination unanimously.

• Elected Greg Trapp vice president. Rogers nominated Trapp, and Hillman seconded the nomination, which was approved unanimously.

• Approved compensation for board members at $900 per month beginning with the next term in accordance with Alabama Act 2024-331.

• Set regular meetings for the upcoming school year for the third Tuesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. at the RCS Central Office Board Room. Work sessions will be held on the second Thursday of each month at 3:30 p.m.