Davonna Coursey Page, who has served as a member of the Russellville Board of Education for 21 years and who was president of the Kentucky School Boards Association last year, announced Friday that she will not run for reelection this year.

An alumna of the Russellville Schools, she has been vice chairman of the Russellville board for several years.

Her formal statement about her decision to retire from the board follows:

School board members have many responsibilities to our students, including innovation and change, which are essential to improvement and forward progress.

During the past 21 years, it has been humbling to see the passion with which our staff educate our students, to be a part of approving innovative programs like the new Russellville Innovation Academy and many construction projects that have improved our facilities like recent improvements to the historic Rhea Stadium and the upcoming improvements to the entrance to Russellville High School.

The greatest joy for any board member is participating in high school graduations to witness our students and families mark the culmination of years of hard work. An even greater joy is seeing the achievements of our students and graduates.

It is a source of great pride to know that Russellville alumni are spread across this country and abroad and to know that the impact of the public education they received at Russellville Independent is felt far beyond the district’s boundaries.

In this spirit, I have decided that I will not seek reelection this year. I trust that someone who shares my passion for public education and the Russellville Independent School District will step up to serve with the goal of continuing the work of moving our district forward in order to provide a quality education to Russellville Independent students.

The foundation of my service as school board member has been built on the belief that public education is the great equalizer. No matter your life circumstances, you can come to Russellville Independent and receive an education that will give you the opportunity to improve your life, your family’s life, and your community.

It has been an honor to serve the Russellville Independent School District for the past 21 years. Davonna Page