RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. - On May 28, 2025, the entire Russellville School District came together for the annual End-of-the-Year Celebration, honoring the dedication, service, and outstanding accomplishments of staff across the district. The recognitions included the following:
RSD Teachers of the Year
The district proudly recognized its 2025 Teachers of the Year. Each school selected one outstanding educator, with one individual receiving the district-wide honor. Thanks to Roy’s Heating and Air and First State Bank, winners received monetary awards in recognition of their excellence. Thank you to Roy's Heating and Air for sponsoring $100 checks for each building teachers of the year and thank you to First State Bank for sponsoring the $1,000 check for the RSD Teacher of the Year!
Center Valley Elementary: Kimberly Nettles
Crawford Elementary: Jill Fields
Dwight Elementary: Megan Moore
London Elementary: Nina Chiolino
Oakland Heights Elementary: Keri Letson
Sequoyah Elementary: Jessica Noblett
Russellville Middle School: Megan Ramsey (not pictured)
Russellville Junior High School: Jenny Wallace
Russellville High School: Dustin Jackson (not pictured)
RSD Teacher of the Year: Brad Beatty, Russellville Intermediate School
2024-2025 RSD Staff Ambassadors
Now in its second year, the RSD Staff Ambassador Program celebrated its 2024–2025 graduates. These ambassadors, representing both certified and classified staff, spent the year deepening their understanding of district operations and advocating for staff and students.
Congratulations to:
Rachel Curry
Tracy Dunn
Barbara Gregg (not pictured)
Xela McArthur
Arlie Price
Madison Short
Ricky Sims
Seth Stewart
Cody Strahan
Talina Tankersley
Ashten Wynn
2025 RSD STORM Awards
The STORM Awards honored certified and classified employees nominated by their peers for exemplifying support, teaching, observation, recognition, and motivation.
The 2025 STORM Award recipients included:
Rhonda Harris, Nurse, Crawford Elementary (not pictured)
Shonda Johnson, ELA & Social Studies Teacher, RIS
Gary Metz, Technology Department
Gary Pitts, Custodian, Center Valley Elementary
Eddie Shirley, Transportation (not pictured)
Kayla Smith, Office of Special Services
Anna Williams, Teacher, Sequoyah Elementary
Shirley Trude, Paraprofessional, London Elementary
Skye Mitchell, RSD Homeless Liaison
Terry Cobb, RSD Safety Director
Years of Service Recognition
In an RSD tradition, the district honored staff members celebrating milestones in years of service. Employees were recognized for their ongoing dedication to student success and commitment to excellence at 1 year, 5 years, 10 years, and beyond.
Honoring RSD Retirees
RSD also honored the 2025 Retirees. Please note: RSD appreciates all the retirees who have served in the District. Some retirees have chosen not to be announced publicly, and with respect to their wishes, will not be included in this announcement.
Laura Binz, RIS Principal
James Foster, Center Valley Elementary Assistant Principal/District Testing Coordinator
Mrs. Kate Harness, Business Teacher, Russellville Junior High School.
Congratulations to all RSD staff members on a great school year! Thank you for your dedication to RSD!