Greetings to our Panther families and to our Russellville community from your Russellville Independent Schools superintendent Bart Flener. We know that you are waiting anxiously for us to unveil our “Roadmap to Reopening” in regards to Russellville Independent Schools for the 2020-21 school year. Just so you know, we have been working diligently in committee meetings each Monday during this month of June to review information from our state/local government, our local health department, and the Kentucky Department of Education to formulate our plan specifically to meet our needs. We want to hear what you are thinking and this reminder message is being sent to let you know that we have a survey available on our website for you to complete sharing your thoughts as we develop our plans.
As of now, the tentative start date for students is Wednesday, August 12th, but we will confirm or adjust that date at our July 21st board meeting. Please know that while we can’t say exactly what school will look when we return as far as our procedures and guidelines, safety for our student team members and adult team members is our first priority. When we unveil our official “Roadmap to Reopening” plan in July on our website, you will know what options are available for your student(s).
Last, but not least, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me to serve as the Russellville Independent Schools superintendent since 2017. Beginning July 1st, I’ll be starting in my new role as Executive Director of GRREC Educational Cooperative in Bowling Green and Mr. Leon Smith, our former Russellville superintendent from 2009-2017 will be serving as the interim superintendent while the Russellville Board of Education goes through the selection process this Fall to choose the next superintendent for the Panthers. I leave RISD in especially good hands with Mr. Smith and I can’t think of a better leader to guide us this Fall as we navigate these unchartered waters to provide safe school learning opportunities for our students. Remember, we are equipping Panthers for life and that will continue to be our vision!