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Russell County School Board approves 2026–27 calendar, policy changes and personnel actions; extends Dr. Hooker’s contract
Summary
At its February meeting the Russell County School Board approved routine agenda items including a second reading of an insurance-retirement incentive policy, the 2026–27 school calendar, targeted improvement plans, an administrative-leave action, and a two-year extension of Dr. Hooker’s contract; a budget public hearing is set for March 3, 2026.
The Russell County School Board approved a package of routine business and personnel actions at its regularly scheduled meeting, including the second reading of an insurance-retirement incentive policy, adoption of the 2026–27 school calendar, approval of targeted school improvement plans and an administrative-leave placement. An unidentified board member moved to extend Dr. Hooker’s contract by two years; the motion was seconded and approved.
Board members certified that matters discussed in a prior closed session were limited to those listed in the motion to go into executive session, then finalized the public meeting agenda. On the action items, the board approved the second reading of policy identified in the transcript as “G C P C‑R,” described by staff as an insurance-retirement incentive for professional and support staff. The board also approved the proposed 2026–27 school calendar as presented.
Targeted school improvement plans for Castle Elementary and Lebanon Middle School were presented by staff and adopted by the board. The meeting record shows a motion to place “Employee A” on administrative leave without pay; the motion was approved as recorded. The transcript records a sales tax figure read aloud as “$402,002.16” with additional numeric tokens in the recording; financial and maintenance reports were presented with no substantive questions recorded.
On personnel, an unidentified board member said, “I—d like to make a motion that we extend doctor Hooker—s contract another 2 years,” and the board approved the extension, moving the contract term from 2027 to 2029 as noted in the meeting. The board also scheduled a public budget hearing for March 3, 2026 at 4:30 p.m., to precede the regular 5:00 p.m. meeting that day.
The meeting record contains limited recorded debate on these items; motions were moved and seconded and votes were recorded as in the affirmative without individual roll-call votes listed in the transcript. The board adjourned at the close of the meeting.
What's next: The board will hold a public budget hearing on March 3, 2026 at 4:30 p.m., followed by its regular meeting at 5:00 p.m.
