Leon Smith, who is in his eighth year as superintendent of the Russellville Independent Schools, announced to the staff Wednesday afternoon that he plans to retire after this school year.The text of his announcement follows:
“I want to sincerely thank the Russellville School Board members for taking a chance on an unknown and unproven candidate to serve as the Superintendent of Russellville Independent Schools in 2009. It has been indeed an honor to serve this board, the children of this district, a wonderful staff and the great community of Russellville and Logan County. My time as superintendent have been the very best years of my educational career.
“It is with heartfelt thanks and much prayer, that I will be retiring effective July 1, 2017.
“I commit to you that I will work tirelessly the next six months to prepare for the next superintendent, and I will continue to work hard to make this a very successful school year as well as prepare for the 2017-2018.
“I want to thank each of your for you hard work and your love for our children. Russellville is a great place to work! I believe the future is very bright for this school district!
“May God continue to bless this district; it will always have a big place in my heart!”