09/30/2026
Dr. Brenda Coley is truly special to us. She gave Six Dollar Cafe our very first catering opportunity, and countless others after that. We will always be grateful she believed in us from the very beginning.
Thank you, Dr. Coley, for opening that first door for us and for the impact you’ve made on so many. Wishing you a beautiful and well-deserved retirement.
Russell County School District
Announces the Retirement of
Superintendent Dr. Brenda Coley
The Russell County School District announces the retirement of Dr. Brenda Coley, Superintendent of Russell County Schools, effective January 1, 2027, following more than 37 years of dedicated service to the students, families, employees, and community of Russell County.
Dr. Coley’s distinguished career in public education has been defined by a lifelong commitment to excellence and to the community she proudly calls home. Throughout more than four decades of service, she has served Russell County Schools in numerous capacities, including teacher, principal, district director, and, for the past 11 years, Superintendent of Schools.
Throughout her career, Dr. Coley has exemplified the principles of servant leadership, consistently placing her faith, students, employees, and community at the forefront of her work. Her leadership has been grounded in the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed and that a school district reaches its greatest potential when its people work together with a shared purpose.
A defining principle of Dr. Coley’s tenure as superintendent has been her commitment to creating a culture of “oneness” throughout Russell County Schools. She has worked tirelessly to unite schools, departments, employees, families, and community partners around a common vision- one district, one community, and one Russell County Warrior family.
Dr. Coley’s leadership has extended far beyond the district office. She has remained a constant presence throughout Russell County Schools, visiting classrooms, supporting teachers and staff, celebrating student accomplishments, and attending countless academic, athletic, fine arts, and community events. Whether standing on the sidelines, sitting in the audience, or walking the halls of a school, she has proudly supported the students and employees who represent Russell County and embody the Warrior spirit.
During her tenure, Dr. Coley challenged the district to believe that Russell County Schools could accomplish what others once considered impossible. Through high expectations, perseverance, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in the potential of Russell County’s students and employees, she helped lead the district to new levels of achievement and opportunity.
While the accomplishments achieved under her leadership are significant, Dr. Coley’s lasting legacy extends far beyond any single initiative, program, or milestone. It will be reflected in the generations of students she has served, the educators and leaders she has mentored, the employees she has encouraged, and the community she has devoted her professional life to strengthening.
For more than 37 years, Dr. Brenda Coley has not simply worked in Russell County, she has invested her life in it. Russell County is more than where she built her career; it is her home. Her heart belongs to Russell County, and she proudly bleeds burgundy and gold.
As Dr. Coley prepares to conclude this extraordinary chapter of service, the Russell County School District extends its deepest gratitude for her leadership, dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the students, employees, families, and community she has served so faithfully.
Her faith has guided her. Her service has inspired us. Her leadership has strengthened us.
And her legacy will remain an enduring part of Russell County Schools for generations to come.
The Russell County School District proudly congratulates Dr. Brenda Coley on more than 37 years of exceptional service and wishes her every blessing as she begins her well-deserved retirement on January 1, 2027.
Once a Warrior, always a Warrior!
