Russell County, Kentucky, Board of Education meeting held on August 17, 2026. Board Chair – Dick Kazsuk presiding. Superintendent – Michael Ford.
Russell County School Board Proposes Tax Rate Reduction and Unveils ‘Portrait of a Learner’
Quick 10-Second Takeaway
- Property Tax Relief: The Board proposed reducing the real property tax rate from 49.9 to 49.8 cents per $100 due to rising local property valuations.
- Laker Vision Approved: A community-led “Portrait of a Learner” framework (L-A-K-E-R-S) was adopted to guide student skills.
- Preschool Excellence: All three county elementary school preschools were celebrated for earning a prestigious Level 5 Kentucky Allstars rating.
The Russell County Board of Education advanced student programs and proposed property tax relief at its August meeting. The Board approved the “Lakers Anchored in Success” Portrait of a Learner, a community-driven framework mapping key skills students need to thrive. Developed with input from local business leaders, community members, and students, it details six core competencies: Life-ready leader, Adaptable thinker, Knowledge seeker, Effective communicator, Responsible worker, and Service-minded contributor. The district will align faculty with these standards during the 2026–2027 school year.
Taxpayers also received encouraging news. The Board proposed reducing the real property tax rate from 49.9 cents to 49.8 cents per $100 of assessed value. Rising county property valuations allow this reduction while still bringing in additional general fund revenue. Under new 2026 Kentucky laws, this proposed rate must be published for two consecutive weeks online and in the local newspaper before an official vote at the September 21 meeting. Personal property (51.1 cents), motor vehicle (52.2 cents), and utilities (3%) rates remain unchanged.
Staff and student achievements took center stage as preschool programs at Jamestown, Russell Springs, and Salem Elementary schools were recognized for earning the prestigious Level 5 Kentucky Allstars quality rating. High school students Kendall Melton and Piper Garmin were also celebrated for winning individual state public speaking championships at the Kentucky FFA State Convention.
Finally, the Board authorized staffing updates at the Seed Academy—including a fully reimbursed nurse position and a lead teacher stipend—and approved naming rights funding not to exceed $10,000 for an ice machine, picnic tables, and a flagpole at the First National Bank Athletic Complex.
