Bart Flener, superintendent of the Russellville City Schools the past three years, informed faculty and staff Friday morning by email that he is resigning to accept one of the top positons in education in this area.
His remarks follow:
Email from Bart Flener:
Good morning on this fine Friday! Looking forward to 8th Grade Drive-Thru graduation tonight (never thought I'd be saying that two months ago) and also to our RHS individual graduation ceremonies (that doesn't roll off the tongue either) next weekend.
I am communicating with you this morning to let you know that I have accepted the GRREC (Green River Regional Educational Cooperative) Executive Director position effective July 1, thus ending my time here as Russellville Independent Schools Superintendent on June 30.
I will offer my formal resignation next Tuesday at the board meeting, but I wanted to express my gratitude for the OPPORTUNITY to serve alongside you for the last three years.
The Russellville Board of Education members took a chance on a "green" but very passionate rookie superintendent three years ago and it has been a wonderful ride for me both personally and professionally. I hope to be part of the Panther family in extended fashion for the remainder of my days.
I spoke with my sophomore son (I guess now he might be a junior) Avery last night and he indicates that his plans are to finish out his final two high school years here at Russellville and graduate as a Panther. That makes my wife Candace and me very happy so I believe that we will certainly be hanging around for some more great years here in the 'Ville.
I will keep "tweeting" from my @RVKSuperFlener account over the next few weeks and I pledge to you to finish it out strong in my Russellville role. I also look forward to collaborating with Russellville Independent Schools as one of the GRREC member districts in my new role, and I will be your biggest cheerleader there in Bowling Green.
I will be forever grateful for the PERSISTENCE you have shown in serving our students during my time here along with the RESILIENCE you have displayed during this pandemic. I know that my time in Russellville has been well WORTH it for me personally and professionally and I wish you the best in your pursuit of EXCELLENCE for our students, families, adult team members, and our community.
Come Hungry and Leave Full has been one of my favorite mantras in my time here and you've helped me do just that! Please remember that you are fully capable and empowered to accomplish the shared vision of the Russellville Independent Schools - and that is -
We R Equipping Panthers...For Life!
With sincere appreciation and admiration,
Bart