By Macy Reeves / For the FCT

The Franklin County Board of Education meeting on March 15 was held at Belgreen High School.

The 2016 Strategic Plan was one primary focus. This is an improvement plan for Advanced Ed accreditation. This makes sure that all the schools under the Franklin County system are running their schools correctly, focusing on policies and curriculum.

The board also nominated three people for consideration to serve on the county Board of Equalization – Glen Vincent, Joe Cartee and John Pilati.

However, the biggest topic on the agenda was in response to Russellville City Schools’ decision to charge tuition to students outside of the school district, with the exception of students who will be in 8th-12th grade this fall, who will be grandfathered in. The Franklin County BOE is expecting a lot of students, and with their classrooms also having overcrowding problems, board members are attempting to come up with solutions.

However, the Franklin County school board does not have a plan just quite yet.

RCS will be sending the Franklin County board a survey from Russellville students who will be transferring next year. This survey will allow the students to choose a school in the Franklin County district.

The Franklin County BOE will be discussing plans for all students who will be affected in the system and Russellville system at the next meeting, April 18, beginning at 5:15 p.m. The next meeting will be located at the Board of Education building in Russellville.