At times it can seem difficult to keep up with what all is happening in local schools, but Thursday, community members can update themselves over their lunch break.

The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce is hosting State of Schools Sept. 12 at the A.W. Todd Center from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., where residents can learn about everything going on at Russellville City and Franklin County schools. 

“We thought it was a great idea to make not only businesses and industries but also residents of the county aware of the school systems and what is going on in them – how they’ve grown, projects they look forward to seeing completed and even some construction in the future,” said Franklin County Chamber of Commerce executive director Cassie Medley.

There will be student participation from Franklin County Schools and Russellville City Schools, with the Pledge of Allegiance, invocation, presenting of the colors and playing of the national anthem.

Russellville City Schools Superintendent Heath Grimes and Franklin County Schools Superintendent Greg Hamilton will each give an overview of their respective school system. 

Lunch will be provided for $10 a person. People are encouraged to RSVP, but RSVP is not required to attend. 

Medley said several board members of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce are involved in the school system and presented the idea of hosting an event on the State of the Schools after hearing of similar events in other counties.

This is the first year the Chamber of Commerce has hosted a state of schools event. Medley said the Chamber has been working for 10 months to plan the event, including contacting other counties to learn about their planning processes.

“It is really just a chance for people to become informed and allow people a chance to support the school systems,” Medley said.