RCS assistant superintendent departs for new position
For the past six years, Dr. Tim Guinn has served as assistant superintendent for Russellville City Schools. Prior to that, he spent seven years as principal and seven years as assistant principal of Russellville High School. Now he is taking on a new role: that of superintendent for Satsuma City Schools, located in Mobile County, in a small town just north of Mobile.
Guinn was set to begin Feb. 1.
The school system celebrated and congratulated Guinn in his final weeks with RCS, as he prepared for his next position.
Former RCS Superintendent Don Cox recalled working with Guinn while he served as high school principal. “Tim did an outstanding job. He’s going to be missed, and he is the kind of person you want in roles like this.”
RCS Superintendent Dr. Heath Grimes said he will miss having Guinn as part of the RCS team. “Dr. Guinn has been an integral part of RCS for a number of years, and I will miss being able to mull over decisions with him,” Grimes said. “He has a knack for looking at things from a variety of ways and anticipating any potential issues with decisions being considered. He’s an excellent school administrator and will certainly be missed; however, I am proud for him and congratulate him on securing this new job.”
Born in Russellville in 1966, Guinn attended school in Vina. “I’ve really enjoyed working with everyone in the Russellville City Schools system,” said Guinn. “I think the RCS faculty and staff are, without question, among the best in the state.”
Taking on the role of superintendent is something Guinn said he has been considering for a while; however, he was waiting for the right time and place.
“There have been several openings, but I was careful to wait for a system I felt would be a good fit, and I’m very proud the Satsuma City Schools system has decided to afford me this opportunity.”
Former RCS Superintendent Dr. Wayne Ray described Guinn as an outstanding person and a wonderful leader.
“Tim Guinn has a tremendous academic record,” Ray added. “He had a major in chemistry, physics and biology. He taught for a few years, also serving as a coach, and he was an outstanding teacher. He has wonderful interpersonal skills and has been truly respected by students and teachers alike. I wish him the best. I really can’t say enough good things about him.”
Susan Hall fondly recalls the time they spent working together as assistant principals to help students, teachers and parents. “Tim Guinn is an outstanding educator who taught me so much about leadership and administration,” she said. “He is to be commended for his wonderful service to RCS. While working with him in the role of an administrator, I immediately saw his unique ability to consider the needs of the whole child.”
Hall explained students realized he was not only interested in their current status at RHS but also genuinely concerned about their plans for the future. “His experience proved to be invaluable in helping students to flourish. Dr. Guinn leaves RCS having made positive impressions on our students, teachers and community, and I have no doubt he will be just as impactful for the Satsuma City Schools.”
Guinn said he’s excited about the future but will always hold a special place in his heart for the years he has spent in Russellville.
“I look forward to the challenge of taking a very good school system and working with the people in it to take it to the next level, both academically and athletically,” he said. “Although I’m looking forward to the challenges of this position in a new city and working with and for the people I’ll meet there, I’m still a bit saddened to be leaving a place I’ve called home for nearly 20 years.”
As to the future, Guinn’s departure marks a shift in operations for RCS.
“We have no plans to fill the position at this time,” explained Grimes. “I will take on some of the duties Dr. Guinn was responsible for, and other employees will take on some of the responsibilities. We will absorb the position as a cost savings for now and see how things go.”
