Joe Sparks was sworn in as the newest member of the Russellville Independent Schools Board of Education on Jan. 5. He was appointed by Kentucky Education Commissioner Stephen Pruitt on Dec. 12 to fill the unexpired term of the late David Corbin until 2018.

Sparks was born and raised in southeastern Illinois. He graduated from Brescia University in Owensboro with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. After spending 42 years in the aluminum industry, he retired from Logan Aluminum in 2008. 

He has lived in Russellville for the past 34 years, and is married to Darla Sparks, retired Russellville High School Guidance Secretary. Mr. and Mrs. Sparks have been married for 50 years. They have one son, Jason, and one grandson, Jayce, who is currently in the fourth grade at Stevenson Elementary.

Sparks said he is excited to be a member of the Russellville Board of Education and eager to serve the citizens of this District.  His first official Board Meeting was Tuesday, Jan. 17. 

Superintendent Leon Smith says, “We welcome Mr. Sparks to the board as we work together to serve our students!  Every Child, Every Day!”