By Macy Reeves for the FCT

The Russellville City Schools Board of Education had its monthly meeting Nov. 19. The meeting contained usual briefing topics: a financial report, facility use requests and a trips request list, as well as a report of the past month. However, the meeting also covered some topics that are not as common.

Superintendent Heath Grimes reported attending an instructional convention in Birmingham as a part of the Alabama Best Practice network. Principals of RHS and RMS, as well as their vice principals, attended a convention for the key leaders network.

“We went to these meeting was so we can stay on the cutting edge of instruction. It’s all about how we can improve it and make it better for our students,” Grimes said.

Grimes listed the following RCS upcoming events:

– The RHS Band Christmas Concert will be Dec. 8 at the RHS Auditorium at 7 p.m.

– The Russellville Christmas Parade will be Dec. 3.

– The RHS and RMS Drama and Choral Department will present their Holiday Showcase, “Forever Christmas,” in the auditorium Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

– RES will celebrate Grandparents’ Day Dec. 7.

The next Russellville Board meeting will be Dec. 17 at 3:30 p.m.

The Franklin County Board of Education met Nov. 17. The board voted on electing a chairperson and vice chairperson. Board members selected Mike Shewbart as their chairperson for the second year in a row. Ralton Baker was selected to be the vice chairperson.

“I appreciate them nominating me and having confidence in me. I hope I can do a job that will be pleasing with them, one that is correct and keep the meetings going smoothly,” said Shewbart.

The board also approved the mandated 21st Century Learning Centers contract to assist Phil Campbell, East Franklin and Red Bay schools. This evaluates the money being spent.

The Board also came to a consensus to meet every fourth Tuesday, beginning in January, making the next meeting Jan. 26, 2016, at 5:15 p.m.