By Staff
Kim West
With a beaming smile and a flourish of his pen, Don Cox became just the fifth superintendent in Russellville City Schools history as he signed a three-year deal immediately following a 5-minute called board meeting Thursday to officially approve his hiring and contract.
Cox's contract runs from Feb. 1, 2009 through Jan. 30, 2012, and is worth $129,126 annually.
His salary was the result of averaging the salary of former superintendent Dr. Wayne Ray and the superintendent salaries of the Muscle Shoals, Cullman and Hartselle school systems.
In addition to approving Cox's contract, the board also voted to post his former position as administrative assistant for RCS.
Cox said he appreciated the work done by the board and superintendent search committee, which was chaired by board member Steve DeFoor.
"This hasn't been easy on the board, and it's been a very difficult process for them," Cox said. "They probably received some unjust criticism, and I appreciate the support from the board.
"I'm thrilled to be superintendent and I'm humbled."
Becoming superintendent fulfilled the ultimate professional goal for Cox following a successful 29-year career as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent in the Russellville system.
"I guess you could say that becoming superintendent is my Super Bowl," he said. "I just want to thank the board members, administrators, teachers, students and central office staff and our community.
"And I would be remiss if I didn't thank my family and wife, Tricia, for all their support throughout this process, and now I'm ready to get to work."