Russellville City Schools Superintendent Rex Mayfield announced his retirement during the Jan. 22 school board meeting.

The retirement was reluctantly approved and accepted by the board members. The current contract for Mayfield was also extended one month from June 31 to July 31. Mayfield’s retirement will be effective as of July 31, 2015.

Mayfield said he was confident the board would make a good decision when finding a replacement for him.

“The system is in great shape monetarily,” Mayfield said. “There are a lot of challenges with this position, but the board and all of the faculty members at all of the schools make the job a lot easier because they do such a good job.

“I’m sure the board will make a good choice when they find a replacement for me,” Mayfield said.

Mayfield has worked for more than 34 years in the Russellville City School System and became the first Russellville High School graduate to become the RCS superintendent when he landed the position in 2011.

Mayfield has been an educator since 1981 and became an assistant principal at RHS in 1995. He held that position for six years before being promoted to principal of the school for the next seven years before landing in the administrative offices.

Mayfield was recognized in Dec. by the Franklin County S.P.A.N. program as their 2014 Friend of the Year. Mayfield was recognized for his involvement and commitment to the S.P.A.N. program.