School board recognizes Russell band

Feb. 29—RUSSELL — Before wading through agenda items, Russell Independent's school board opened a regular meeting on Monday evening by recognizing recent achievements by the high school's band and percussion ensemble.

Levi Dalton, Russell's band director, gave a rundown on the high school's percussion ensemble's selection to perform at the Kentucky Music Educators Association Professional Development Conference.

The selection was an esteemed honor, according to Dalton, who said Russell's ensemble was selected along with Campbell County — out of the entire state.

As if the selection wasn't celebratory enough, Dalton said the sky is the limit for the ensemble, considering the majority of participating students were still underclassman.

In addition to the percussion ensemble, the board also recognized Russell High School's marching band, who recently finished in fourth place in the Kentucky Music Educators Association Marching Band Finals.

According to previous reports, the fourth-place finish was the third time in 30 years the school's marching band made it to state finals.

Here are some more highlights from Monday's meeting:

—Chairman John Jones, a longtime member of the board, announced he no longer wished to continue as the board's chairperson.

His resignation as board chair led to the board's vice chair, Sean Whitt, to slide into Jones's position.

Jones nominated Judy Ledford as vice chair seat, which was approved.

—An enrollment report revealed the district had gained four students at the primary level, but lost eight at the middle and high school.

The students leaving the district, however, were due to new employment opportunities for parents, which required the family to move out of the state.

In regards to attendance, Russell was not immune to the seasonal flu and illnesses and reported attendance was down about 6% from 100%, while neighboring district's were "blessed if attendance is at 90."

—The board approved the middle school to hire a second softball coach to manage roughly 20 players.

Russell Middle School Principal Jeff Frasure said the request came from the need to comply with Title IX; considering the baseball team had two coaches, the girls' team should have the same.

—The board approved the purchase of one special needs bus for a little less than $140,000.

Superintendent Dr. Sean Horne said it's expected to take up to a year for the district to actually obtain the new bus.

(606) 326-2652 — mjepling@dailyindependent.com