Russell Independent
February 23, 2026 6:00 PM
Russell Independent Regular Board Meeting
I. Call To Order
Rationale

Mr. Vest called the Regular Meeting of the Russell Independent Board of Education to order at 6:00 p.m.

I.A. Moment of Silence
Rationale

Mr. Vest led those in attendance in a Moment of Silence.

I.B. Pledge to the United States Flag
Rationale

Mr. Vest led those in attendance in the Pledge to the United States Flag.

I.C. District Mission Statement
Rationale

Our mission is to inspire and empower all students to reach their maximum potential: one student, one lesson, one day at a time.

 

Progressing into the future…

Our Students are our top priority.

 Our School Family plays a crucial role in student development, achievement, and success.

 Our Parents are supportive partners and are essential in the advancement of each student.

 Our Community shares our desire to develop highly skilled and productive citizens.

 Our Technology enables our students to reach beyond the classroom.

 Our Culture inspires leadership and excellence.

 Our Academics focus on rigorous standards and global success.

II. Adopt the Agenda
Actions Taken

Order #68560 - Motion Passed:  Approval of the agenda passed with a motion by Mr. Johnny Highfield and a second by Mr. Samuel Pack.

Member Votes
Mr. Johnny Highfield Yes
Mr. John Jones Yes
Mr. Samuel Pack Yes
Mr. Terry Vest Yes
Mr. Sean Whitt Yes
III. Delegations
Rationale

Procedures for Addressing the Board of Education

The Russell Independent School District Board of Education encourages attendance at meetings of the Board of Education.  The Board of Education understands that from time to time the public may wish to share opinions with them at these meetings.  Procedures for speaking to the Board of Education are detailed below:

 

·      Those who wish to address the Board of Education must sign the Delegation sheet provided prior to each Regular Meeting.  This sheet can be found beside the Board Agenda on a podium near the entrance of the room.

 

·      Generally, in the first ten minutes of the Meeting, the Board Chair will ask for delegations.  At this time please state your name, the name of the organization or group that you are representing, and the subject that you would like to address.  Please keep in mind that issues regarding a specific school should be shared with Principal and/or Site Based Decision Making Council, as that is the governing body for that school.

 

·      Individuals may address the Board of Education for a maximum of 5 minutes, as determined by the Board Chair.

 

·      The Board Chair reserves the right to intervene in order to maintain order and to ensure the expedient conduct of the Board’s business.

 

·      Comments to the Board should be stated in a professional manner.  Accusations and/or disparaging remarks about individuals will not be permitted. 

IV. Recognitions/Achievements/Reports
V. Notification of Personnel Matters
Rationale

Personnel for Board Information Only in accordance with KRS 160.390 (2)

VI. Regular Business
VI.A. Approval of Minutes of the Special Called Meeting on January 29, 2026
Actions Taken

Order #68561 - Motion Passed:  Approval of the minutes from the January 29, 2026 Special Called Meeting passed with a motion by Mr. Sean Whitt and a second by Mr. Johnny Highfield.

Member Votes
Mr. Johnny Highfield Yes
Mr. John Jones Yes
Mr. Samuel Pack Yes
Mr. Terry Vest Yes
Mr. Sean Whitt Yes
VI.B. Treasurer's Report
Actions Taken

Order #68562 - Motion Passed:  Acceptance of Treasurer's Report as submitted passed with a motion by Mr. Johnny Highfield and a second by Mr. John Jones.

Member Votes
Mr. Johnny Highfield Yes
Mr. John Jones Yes
Mr. Samuel Pack Yes
Mr. Terry Vest Yes
Mr. Sean Whitt Yes
VI.C. Payment of Accounts Payable and Payroll
Actions Taken

Order #68563 - Motion Passed:  Approval of payment of Accounts Payable and Payroll passed with a motion by Mr. John Jones and a second by Mr. Samuel Pack.

Member Votes
Mr. Johnny Highfield Yes
Mr. John Jones Yes
Mr. Samuel Pack Yes
Mr. Terry Vest Yes
Mr. Sean Whitt Yes
VI.D. Superintendent Travel
Actions Taken

Order #68564 - Motion Passed:  Approval of Superintendent Travel for 2026 passed with a motion by Mr. Sean Whitt and a second by Mr. Samuel Pack.

Member Votes
Mr. Johnny Highfield Yes
Mr. John Jones Yes
Mr. Samuel Pack Yes
Mr. Terry Vest Yes
Mr. Sean Whitt Yes
VII. Consent Agenda
Actions Taken

Order #68565 - Motion Passed:  Approval of the Consent Agenda as presented passed with a motion by Mr. Johnny Highfield and a second by Mr. Samuel Pack.

Member Votes
Mr. Johnny Highfield Yes
Mr. John Jones Yes
Mr. Samuel Pack Yes
Mr. Terry Vest Yes
Mr. Sean Whitt Yes
VII.A. Fundraisers
VII.B. Overnight Trips
VII.C. Approval of updated Cafeteria Plan Document
VII.D. Approval to surplus 2003 Chevrolet Truck
VIII. New Business
VIII.A. Consider approval of Draft SBDM Allocations for the 2026-2027 School Year
Actions Taken

Order #68566 - Motion Passed:  Approval of Draft SBDM Allocations for the 2026-2027 School Year passed with a motion by Mr. Samuel Pack and a second by Mr. Sean Whitt.

Member Votes
Mr. Johnny Highfield Yes
Mr. John Jones Yes
Mr. Samuel Pack Yes
Mr. Terry Vest Yes
Mr. Sean Whitt Yes
VIII.B. Consider financial assistance for RMS Band Students to attend KMEA All-State Band Event
Actions Taken

Order #68567 - Motion Passed:  Approval financial assistance up to $350.00 for RMS Band Students to attend KMEA All-State Band Event passed with a motion by Mr. Terry Vest and a second by Mr. Johnny Highfield.

Member Votes
Mr. Johnny Highfield Yes
Mr. John Jones Yes
Mr. Samuel Pack Yes
Mr. Terry Vest Yes
Mr. Sean Whitt Yes
VIII.C. Consider approval of 2026 Sports Turf Maintenance Contract with QuickSand Farms
Actions Taken

Order #68568 - Motion Passed:  Approval of 2026 Sports Turf Maintenance Contract with QuickSand Farms passed with a motion by Mr. Johnny Highfield and a second by Mr. Terry Vest.

Member Votes
Mr. Johnny Highfield Yes
Mr. John Jones Yes
Mr. Samuel Pack Yes
Mr. Terry Vest Yes
Mr. Sean Whitt Yes
VIII.D. Consider approval of a quote from Quicksand Farms for the RHS Football Practice Field Renovation
Actions Taken

Order #68569 - Motion Passed:  Approval of a quote from Quicksand Farms for the RHS Football Practice Field Renovation passed with a motion by Mr. Sean Whitt and a second by Mr. John Jones.

Member Votes
Mr. Johnny Highfield Yes
Mr. John Jones Yes
Mr. Samuel Pack Yes
Mr. Terry Vest Yes
Mr. Sean Whitt Yes
VIII.E. Consider approval and payment of Architect Invoice #6 in the amount of $19,108.63 for BG# 325-264 RHS HVAC and RATC Roof Project
Actions Taken

Order #68570 - Motion Passed:  Approval of the payment of Architect Invoice #6 for $19,108.63 on Project BG# 325-264 RHS HVAC and RATC Roof passed with a motion by Mr. Samuel Pack and a second by Mr. Johnny Highfield.

Member Votes
Mr. Johnny Highfield Yes
Mr. John Jones Yes
Mr. Samuel Pack Yes
Mr. Terry Vest Yes
Mr. Sean Whitt Yes
VIII.F. Consider approval and payment of Pay Application #7 in the amount of $489,285.01 for BG# 325-264 RHS HVAC and RATC Roof Project
Actions Taken

Order #68571 - Motion Passed:  Approval of Pay Application #7 in the amount of $489,285.01 for BG# 325-264 RHS HVAC and RATC Roof Project passed with a motion by Mr. Terry Vest and a second by Mr. Johnny Highfield.

Member Votes
Mr. Johnny Highfield Yes
Mr. John Jones Yes
Mr. Samuel Pack Yes
Mr. Terry Vest Yes
Mr. Sean Whitt Yes
VIII.G. Consider approval of Booster Fundraisers
Actions Taken

Order #68572 - Motion Passed:  Approval of Booster Fundraisers passed with a motion by Mr. Johnny Highfield and a second by Mr. John Jones.

Member Votes
Mr. Johnny Highfield Yes
Mr. John Jones Yes
Mr. Samuel Pack Yes
Mr. Terry Vest Yes
Mr. Sean Whitt Yes
IX. Updates and Information
IX.A. Student Enrollment/Attendance Reports
IX.B. Meeting Reminder
IX.C. SBDM Information
IX.D. Cards/Letters
X. Superintendent's Progress Reports/Updates
XI. Other Business and Information
XII. Closing
Actions Taken

Order #68573 - Motion Passed:  Meeting adjournment at 6:40 p.m. passed with a motion by Mr. Samuel Pack and a second by Mr. Johnny Highfield.

Member Votes
Mr. Johnny Highfield Yes
Mr. John Jones Yes
Mr. Samuel Pack Yes
Mr. Terry Vest Yes
Mr. Sean Whitt Yes