Gov. Kay Ivey declared Nov. 16-22 as Teacher Appreciation Week, and the Russellville City Schools Board of Education used its board meeting as a chance to publicly thank the teachers for their hard work.

Board President Jerry Groce said teachers continually amaze him by the time and effort they put in to helping their students.

“We are very thankful to each of you and the work you put in,” Groce said.

Groce said what is even more admirable to him is the work the teachers have put in this year to ensure students are able to learn during COVID-19.

“It’s impressive that even in the midst of a pandemic, all of these other groups may be staying home, but you guys are still here,” Groce said.

Each of the board members echoed Groce’s statements by thanking the teachers for their work.

RCS Superintendent Heath Grimes said the pandemic has shown a lot of people how necessary teachers are.

“We are very blessed here at RCS to have the very best faculty and staff that always work so hard,” Grimes said.

During the board meeting, the board approved the resolution for classroom instructional support money to be administered to teachers through a commercial card program with SunTrust Bank.

This money comes from the state department for each teacher to receive $600 to go toward classroom supplies for the school year.

The board also approved the revised schedule for extended contracts, supplements and other pay for the 2021 fiscal year. Grimes said these changes involve Saturday school.

Russellville High School Auditorium was approved for use May 22 for Addie’s Flip, Tip and Tap dance recital and May 18 for rehearsal.

Expenses for the month were start-up supplies for two new Pre-K units, drainage work at the RHS softball field, a new lawn mower for the Parks and Recreation Department and contractor services for roofing at West Elementary and the project at RHS.

The next RCS board meeting will be Dec. 17 at 8 a.m.