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Biography
Brenda Coley is a native of Hurtsboro, Alabama. She is the sixth child of Adell and Lula Mae Johnson. She is a 1984 graduate of Russell High School. Having taken the pathway to college, she is a proud graduate of Auburn University located in Auburn, Alabama. In 1994, Coley received a Master’s Degree from Troy State University at the Phenix City campus. She later obtained a Specialist Degree from Troy State University in 1997. In May 2015 Coley completed a Doctorate of Education from Walden University in Administrative Leadership.
Dr. Brenda Coley has been employed by the Russell County Board of Education for approximately 28 years as an educator. Her educational career began as a fourth, fifth, and sixth grade English teacher at Russell Elementary in Hurtsboro, Alabama. Dr. Coley transferred to Ladonia Elementary and served as a Second Grade Teacher for twelve years and an Assistant Principal for four years.
In 2004 Dr. Coley was promoted to principal and served as the Instructional Leader of Oliver Elementary in Seale, Alabama for 9 years. Under her leadership, Oliver Elementary received state recognition for exceeding annual yearly progress goals, state’s model Pre-k Program, and Fine Arts Initiatives. In 2014 Dr. Brenda Coley became the Director of Administrator Service and served in the capacity for approximately two years. She is currently serving as Superintendent of the Russell County School District effective October of 2015.
Dr. Coley has received prestigious awards such as the Home Town High Achiever Award in 2012 and the Outstanding Educator Award presented by the Phenix City local NAACP in 2013. Dr. Coley is a member of the Alabama Education Association (AEA) and Council Leader for Alabama Schools (CLAS). She is also a member of the Rho Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated in Columbus, Georgia. On October 6, 2001, she happily united in matrimony to her most treasured gift, Kenneth O. Coley. They have two sons, Kenneth Coley, Jr. and Markeuis Coley.
Dr. Coley’s philosophy of life is “Give to the world the best you have, and the best will come back to you”.
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Welcome to Russell County School District where we are “Destined for Excellence.” During our voyage to greatness, we must embrace change in order to provide strong initiatives for quality of instruction and increased student achievement. As a visionary leader, I foresee Russell County Schools as premier institutes within a few years. We are a school district that is committed to inspiring, empowering, and educating students with Excellence. Our mission is to engage students in quality learning experiences that will prepare them for success in college, career, and life.
It is our belief that all children can learn and must be actively engaged in the learning process through a variety of teaching techniques that accommodate diverse learning styles. Teachers must stay abreast of new and innovative ideas to motivate and stimulate students’ learning throughout the curriculum. We are increasing rigor in the curriculum, expanding academic class offerings and extracurricular activities to ensure that students receive a well-rounded education. Other goals include providing Pre-K programs, STEM programs, and Fine Arts Initiatives in all schools.
We have established a strong leadership team that is dedicated to setting an example of highly effective leadership that will encourage collaboration among all stakeholders, energize every employee, create purpose in the workplace, empower communities of leaders and establish a standard of EXCELLENCE for all. However, we cannot mandate nor direct this reform alone. It is our goal to galvanize students, parents, teachers, support staff, administrators, Board members, and community partners in a way that will spark positive change throughout the Russell County School District.
Our school system has focused primarily on four goals to include: (1) Provide A Safe and Secure Environment, (2) Increase Student Achievement, (3) Improve Students’ Social and Emotional Development, and (4) Build A Professional Workforce through Enhanced Staff Development. Our aim is to develop competent staff and create productive relationships that will strengthen every school in the district. We challenge each of you to join us as we embark upon our destiny for greatness. Thank you for supporting our schools. We appreciate your continued love, support, and prayers.
Respectfully,
Brenda Coley, Ed. D.
Superintendent