• 68°
franklin county times

RCS hires new principal Ann Scott with Deanna Hollimon’s departure

A new face will soon lead West Elementary School as Deanna Hollimon makes her exit from the Russellville school.

Hollimon said when she first began her teaching career at West Elementary School 35 years ago, she did not know how much the school would become a part of her life.

Now 35 years later, Hollimon is leaving her post as principal at WES for a new challenge.

“I knew I always wanted to be that person who challenged myself and always reached for more,” Hollimon said. “I feel like this is my next challenge.”

Hollimon’s final day at WES was Friday before beginning Monday as the director of the University of North Alabama’s In-Service Center.

WES welcomes a new-but-familiar principal beginning Monday, with Tharptown High School Principal Ann Scott making the move to Russellville.

Russellville City Schools Board of Education officially hired Scott Friday at a special-called board meeting.

“When we talk about building a tradition, she is a great example of that,” said Russellville City Schools Superintendent Heath Grimes. “She is good at her job and is tough with very high standards.”

Grimes said Scott, a Russellville graduate, will be getting back to her roots working with elementary students after taking some time to work with high schoolers.

Grimes said there were three internal candidates for the position, and Scott was the only external candidate who applied for the job.

“We are really looking forward to having her here working with our students,” Grimes said. “We know she will do a great job.”

Hollimon said at her new job, she will work with teachers across Franklin, Colbert, Lauderdale, Marion, Walker and Winston counties with professional learning, for which Hollimon said she has always had a passion.

“I am a big believer in professional learning and professional development, so this job seemed like a perfect fit,” Hollimon said.

She said although she is looking forward to the opportunities her new job will bring, it is tough to leave Russellville City Schools after all of these years.

“It has been very bittersweet,” Hollimon said. “It is like the end of a chapter.”

Hollimon, a graduate of RCS, began her teaching career at WES and spent the remainder of her time in RCS in various positions at WES, except for a three-year period serving as assistant principal at Russellville Middle School.

“I have spent 32 years of my life in these hallways,” Hollimon said. “I have seen so many children come through here and have watched them grow up.”

Hollimon said one of the best parts of her job has been watching children she taught return to RCS as teachers or bring their own children to RCS.

“The school really has been the heartbeat of the entire community,” Hollimon said. “That is something that I love and hope continues.”

Grimes said he is thankful for Hollimon and the work she has put in at RCS over the past 35 years.

“We are very blessed with amazing staff here at RCS,” Grimes said. “We are thankful for her and the impact she has made here.”

Galleries

PHOTOS: Roxy holds cruise-in events in downtown Russellville

Galleries

PHOTOS: Tharptown senior homecoming representatives take court

News

Phil Campbell, Red Bay FFA place at North Alabama State Fair

News

BTCPA announces auditions for first production of season

News

RCS Education Foundation honors excellence

News

Downtown Russellville Collective receives grant to further efforts

Franklin County

NWSCC sees fall enrollment continue to rise

News

AlmostBama show raises money for Place of Grace Sept. 23

News

Roxy holds Cruise-In

Franklin County

Political announcement: Doug Aaron announces run for county commission seat 


Franklin County

TVA plans to invest $15 billion over next three years

Franklin County

Alabama Young Farmers vie for top titles

News

RHS ranks 18th on best Alabama high schools list

News

Downtown Russellville Collective receives statewide recognition at Main Street Alabama conference

Franklin County

PHOTOS: Franklin County celebrates Watermelon Festival

Franklin County

Chamber names watermelon winners

Franklin County

NWSCC hosts Run for Reading 5K, Family Fun Run on Sept. 16

Franklin County

New law prohibits smoking, vaping in vehicles with children

News

Phil Campbell, Tharptown tune-up for openers

Franklin County

PHOTOS: Franklin County Watermelon Festival

Franklin County

Cost-share availability for southern pine beetle prevention 

News

RPL holds summer reading program activities

News

Golden Tigers prepare for varsity football season as jamboree nears

News

Alabama Education Association holds in-service meetings

x