Jason Goodwin earns principal of year nod

The Russellville City School system has received several awards and recognitions this calendar year, and RHS principal Jason Goodwin has just added onto that list. At the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals’ fall conference, Goodwin received the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools District 7 North Principal of the Year Award.

The conference was held Nov. 12-15 in Orange Beach and included an awards ceremony, where Goodwin received this recognition and a plaque to go along with it.

“There are only eight districts, so this is a huge honor,” Superintendent Heath Grimes said when he congratulated Goodwin, who was still at the conference at the time, on the award at the Nov. 15 school board meeting.

Goodwin said the award given based on a vote by academic peers. He also interviewed for the state Principal of the Year award while at the conference.

“I think it went well. I had the chance to tell them about everything we have accomplished,” Goodwin said.

He said he shared about receiving the Niche award for being Alabama’s No. 1 Standout School and hosting the statewide AP Celebration for RCS’ AP accomplishments – just to name a few. “I had plenty to talk about,” he said.

He said he also did plenty of listening and learning, as well. The conference’s theme was “Make it happen – make it matter,” and he said he and fellow attendees learned about finances, athletics and technology, among other topics.

“It’s a valuable opportunity, getting to network and meet all of the principals from different areas,” he said.

Even though he is the one who received the award, he said it is an honor not just for himself but for his staff as well.

“They’re the ones who made it happen. I see how much they support the kids, and I love seeing their growth and their success,” he said.