Bill Text: VA HR117 | 2016 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Russell C. Schools.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2016-02-05 - Bill text as passed House (HR117ER) [HR117 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2016-HR117-Enrolled.html
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WHEREAS, Russell C. Schools of Capron, a dedicated public servant who selflessly served the people of Southampton County as a longtime member and chair of the school board, a former executive with the Virginia Peanut Growers Association, a person of faith, and a devoted husband and father, died on January 19, 2016; and WHEREAS, Russell Schools was born in Bowling Green and graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1957; he then became an extension agent in Accomack County before moving to Southampton County in 1961 to accept a similar position; and WHEREAS, Russell Schools admirably served the community as a member of the Southampton County School Board for 41 years and was chair of the school board for 35 years; he was known for his commitment to public education and was equally admired for his outstanding leadership; and WHEREAS, in his professional life, Russell Schools worked for the Virginia Peanut Growers Association and was its executive secretary for almost 40 years; he retired from the association in 2004; and WHEREAS, when Russell Schools began his tenure on the Southampton County School Board, six towns in the county each had two schools, one for white students and one for black students; Russell Schools oversaw the integration of the public schools in the county, a challenging task as one school in each town was closed; and WHEREAS, the two high schools in Southampton County were merged into one as part of the integration process, and the other high school became a county middle school; Russell Schools successfully shepherded the students and staff through the transition; and WHEREAS, Russell Schools, who was a member of the Southampton County School Board until 2012, served with three superintendents of schools during his four decades of public service; he was committed to hiring the best-qualified teachers and staff and was proud of the school division's many accomplishments, including the construction of several new school buildings; and WHEREAS, Russell Schools also was an active member of the Capron Ruritan Club and was treasurer of the Indiantown Hunt Club; he was a person of faith who enjoyed fellowship and worship at Capron United Methodist Church; and WHEREAS, Russell Schools will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by Fay, his wife of 59 years; children, Lynn, Russell, Jr., and Todd, and their families; and many other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Russell C. Schools of Capron, who admirably and tirelessly served for many years as a member and chair of the Southampton County School Board, a former executive with the Virginia Peanut Growers Association, a person of faith, and a devoted husband and father; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Russell C. Schools as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory. |
