position of Assistant Superintendent of Russellville Independent Schools. She has served as interim assistant superintendent since Susan McCloud’s retirement on Oct. 31, 2014.

“Dr. Hurt has done an exceptional job in leadership,” Smith said. “Her years and array of experiences have provided some very positive and productive adjustments in our instructional approach. This early announcement will provide us with needed planning time as we prepare for next year! ”

Janet Hurt previously served as principal of Adairville Elementary School, which she led to receiving some of the highest awards in the nation. After that she served as associate superintendent of the Logan County School District, concentrating on instruction and academic achievement. She played a major role in laying the foundation for Logan’s becoming the top-scoring school districts in assessments in the 15-district region the past two years.  

She left the Logan County schools to become project director for the multi-county Green River Educational Cooperative’s Race to the Top before coming aboard with the Russellville schools this fall.

Among her other career accomplishments:

*Educational Consultant

*Lead Evaluator, Advanc-Ed, Atlanta, GA.

*Scholastic Audit Team Leader, Kentucky Department of Education

*Guidance Counselor

*Offered instruction and presentations in many different venues in Kentucky and the United States

*Author and co-author of various publications

*Numerous Awards/Recognitions, including:

College Board, Chinese Bridge Delegation

Kentucky Association of School Administrators, Tom Vest Professional Development Award

Fulbright Study Abroad Participant

Collaborative for Teaching and Learning, Friend of Education Award for Development of Lesson Plan Xpress

Kentucky Department of Education, National Blue Ribbon for School of Excellence as Principal

Kentucky Association of School Counselors, Outstanding Guidance Program Award

Twice voted by school staffs, Outstanding Teacher

“I have worked in education for 31 years and have been extremely impressed with her ability as an educator, and I also believe we are so very fortunate to have her in a major leadership role in our district,” Superintendent Smith says. “Dr. Hurt knows and understands good classroom planning and instruction and will be a great benefit to our staff as we continue to move into the future.”