When Jason Goodwin was hired as Russellville High School principal in 2016, he followed Tim Guinn into that position.
Six years later, as Goodwin again succeeds Guinn, this time as Russellville City Schools' Administrative Assistant 'A,' Superintendent Heath Grimes hopes the results will be just as they were the first time.
The Russellville City Board of Education approved Grimes' recommendation to promote Goodwin at a special meeting held August 9.
Goodwin will start his new job as Administrative Assistant 'A' on September 1, 2022. It's a position (Assistant Superintendent) vacated by Guinn when he left earlier this year to become Superintendent of Satsuma City Schools.
Goodwin was selected from three applicants (two in-system employees and one out-of-system applicant). The newly-created vacancy in the RHS principal position will be posted for 14 days, beginning August 9.
Goodwin was hired as RHS Assistant Principal in 2015. After a year serving under then-RHS Principal Guinn, Goodwin was promoted six years ago. During that time, the system has received state recognition for academic growth, including emphasis on bridging the language gap for many of the Hispanic students who begin school without English proficiency.
“If you look at the accolades Russellville High School has received from around the state, we've been able to accelerate and move forward under Dr. Goodwin's leadership,” Grimes said. “He's made some difficult decisions that had to be made that some people didn't always celebrate, and he stands up for what's right for our students. Those things make him not only a good high school principal, but also a good candidate to be Administrative Assistant as well.”
Grimes said his preference is for the new RHS principal to be either an in-system promotion or a RHS graduate wanting to return to his or her hometown school.
“It's important to hire Russellville people for the tradition and their understanding and involvement in the community,” Grimes said. “We want to let our people know, if you do a good job, we'll have a place for you here. But it's also important not to hire someone just because they're from Russellville.
“If all things are equal, that should be a deciding factor. But we do those individuals, our community and our schools a disservice if that's the determining factor,” he added.
Goodwin said the opportunity to advance in the school system and community he calls home was like a dream come true.
“When my family moved to Russellville in 2015, we made the commitment that Russellville would be our forever home,” Goodwin said. “My children have grown up in this community, started school in this system and know nothing other than black and gold. As a result, I am dedicated to overcoming any challenges that arise in this new position.”
Goodwin is a graduate of the University of North Alabama, with a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education/Chemistry. He earned his Master's and Ed.S from UNA, and his Doctorate from the University of West Alabama.
He and his wife Cassie have two sons.
The Administrative Assistant 'A' position includes responsibility for several essential roles in the school system, including safety/emergency planning, operations and handling the majority of employee, parental or student disputes or issues.
“It has been a tremendous honor working with such a dedicated staff that cares immensely for our students. The hardest part of my decision was the feeling of leaving the building with the greatest staff and greatest student body in the entire state,” Goodwin said.
“Moving forward, I am dedicated to handling various responsibilities as needed with an increased focus on safety, our school information system (PowerSchool) and any other responsibilities where my abilities will benefit Russellville City Schools,” he added.
Other personnel moves approved by the board included:
--Employment in Position: Elisha Myers, RHS Career Coach.
--Resignation in Position: Erika Devaney, EL Aide West Elementary School.
--Temporary Employment in Position: Emitt Green, Nathan Brockway and Elliott Green, part-time student workers for RCS.
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