The Russell County School District has announced the retirement of Superintendent Dr. Brenda Coley, who will step down effective January 1, 2027, following more than 37 years of service to Russell County Schools.
Coley has spent more than three decades serving students, families, educators and the Russell County community. During her career, she has served the district in several roles, including teacher, principal and district director. She has served as superintendent for the past 11 years.
The school district described Coley’s career as being defined by a commitment to students and the Russell County community, which she considers home.
A central theme of Coley’s tenure as superintendent has been building what she described as a culture of “oneness” throughout the district. According to the school district, she worked to bring schools, departments, employees, families and community partners together around a shared vision of “one district, one community, and one Russell County Warrior family.”
Throughout her time as superintendent, Coley remained involved in schools and district activities, regularly visiting classrooms, supporting educators and staff, celebrating student accomplishments and attending academic, athletic, fine arts and community events.
The district said Coley challenged Russell County Schools to pursue opportunities and achievements that were once considered unlikely, emphasizing high expectations, collaboration and a belief in the potential of students and employees.
The district also highlighted Coley’s impact beyond individual programs and accomplishments, pointing to the generations of students she has served, educators and leaders she has mentored, employees she has encouraged and the broader community she has worked to strengthen.
“For more than 37 years, Dr. Brenda Coley has not simply worked in Russell County, she has invested her life in it,” the district said in its announcement. “Russell County is more than where she built her career; it is her home.”
The Russell County School District expressed its gratitude to Coley for her leadership, dedication and service and congratulated her on more than 37 years of service.
Coley’s retirement will become effective January 1, 2027.
“Once a Warrior, always a Warrior!” the district said.
