Roger Cook, superintendent of the Russellville City Schools the past four years, notified the board of education Friday that he is accepting a new job closer to his hometown.
     Cook will become superintendent of the Taylor County Schools at Campbellsville.
     Chairman James Milam of the Russellville board released the following statement Cook made to the board:
"I just finished the telephone call to the Taylor County board chair, and I have accepted the position of Superintendent there. I know that I will never have another board any better than what I have had here the past 4 years. I am sort of at a loss for words, and I have a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach like you do many times after making a big decision like this. If it were not for my grandchildren, children, and 70 year old brother who is more like a dad to me, I would not even consider leaving you. If this turns out to be a mistake, I will just retire and become a consultant for schools throughout the state. I hope that I have not disappointed you too badly in making this choice. Please know that there will always be a special place in my heart for Russellville and each of you, and I will always be willing to help in any way I can."
     The Russellville School Systen has undergone dramatic changes during Cook's tenure. They include the elimination of Rusellville Middle School with fifth and sixth grades moving to Stevenson Elementary School and seventh and eighth to the Russellville High School campus. In the past few months the RMS building as been razed.
     A junior high wing has been added to the east side of the RHS building, and the Stevenson building has been expanded. The athletic facility at the high school has been vastly improved with six new tennis courts, an eight-lane track with a football practice field in the middle, new dugouts and fencing for the baseball field, and a large indoor athletic practice facility under construction.
     Test scores have improved during Cook's tenure and more technology is available for students and teachers. The school system has won awards for those advancements and achievements. Among the honors is being designated an Exemplary Growth District.
     Milam, who has provided the leadership to help Cook achieve his goals, made the following statement to The Logan Journal:
"The Board was aware that he was interested in the position, and all of us and the staff regret this development. However, we congratulate Roger on his achievements here, which attracted statewide attention; on the opportunity to be near his family members; and on the legacy of service to "Every Child, Every Day" that will benefit generations. The Russellville School System is strong and financially sound."