The Board approved the lowest responsible bidder, Eagle Pro, to overhaul our HVAC systems at West Elementary. This overhaul will include updating any units that are over ten years old as well as installing dehumidifying systems in an effort to reduce the risk of mold growth in the future. The winning bid came in just under $1,000,000.00 and we will be using ESSER funds allocated for air quality.

Last week was a huge week for the Cullman City School System and City of Cullman as we officially broke ground on the Primary and Middle School projects. I am proud of this School Board, their determination and forward thinking. Breaking ground on these two projects is the beginning of making what was once a bold vision a promising reality. This vision would not be possible without our supportive stakeholders including the Cullman City Council and Mayor, who are working collaboratively with us to make sure we are providing great learning spaces for our current students and the future students of our school system.

As we embark on these two projects, it is important that we keep the end in mind. Construction will be uncomfortable at times, but the end result will be well worth the growing pains. It is also important that we continue to think proactively as our community grows. Serving our students in an up to date safe environment, maintaining our high academic standard, and a strong emphasis on the arts and athletics will continue to be our focus.

Last week, April Dean was on stage in Montgomery as one of the top 16 teachers in the state of Alabama. During this celebration, she represented Cullman City, East Elementary, her co-workers, and her students with great dignity and pride. We are proud of Mrs. Dean and the dedication she has to the students she serves.

All sixteen finalists were asked to give a 2-minute speech with less than an hour notice. This forced them to speak from the heart about the joy of teaching. Mrs. Dean spoke about the power of project-based learning and group activities. Furthermore, how important it is while teaching science to find ways all students can contribute their strengths despite any struggles they may have in other academic areas.

During the 2017-2018 school year, Dr. Erica Rutherford represented Cullman City in the Sweet 16 and during the 1981-1982 school year, Don Williamson from Cullman City Schools was the Alabama Teacher of the Year.

National Nurses Week was in early May. We are fortunate to have exceptional school nurses serving our schools. We are especially grateful for their work over the past two years as we navigated through a world pandemic. Be sure to reach out and thank our nurses for answering the call.

CCPS- Kalysha Whittle

East- Amanda Baker

West- Dori Potter and Reeta Morrow

CMS- Shan Goodlet

CHS- Jennifer Shugarts, Lead Nurse

Standing Substitute- Melanie Dellinger

Our Career Tech instructors have worked diligently to prepare students for post-secondary endeavors, whether going directly into the workforce or college. One way they ensure employability skills is to give students the opportunity to obtain industry-recognized credentials. Credentials provide proof of knowledge and verify a student’s capability to perform a particular trade or skill. Cullman High School had 38 students earn a credential this year. The programs that produced credentials are Health Science, Agriscience, and Business Administration and Management. We are proud of these CTE programs, instructors, and career-ready students.

CCS will provide a summer literacy camp, extended school year services, and a Head Start summer program for pre-k students. Each of these programs will be hosted at East Elementary School during the month of June. Many of our teachers, nurses, lunchroom staff, and administrators will be working together to make sure these programs are a success.

Summer literacy camp is a requirement of the Alabama Literacy Act. Teachers will undergo additional training in order to provide K-3 students with explicit reading instruction targeted to their specific needs.

Students will also participate in STEM and art activities to promote oral language development. We have partnered with Cullman Electric Cooperative, the North Alabama Agriplex, and Cliff and Lindsay Harris to provide weekly educational programs for students in our summer programs. These programs will be aligned to science and social studies standards and will serve as an engaging way to build background knowledge and further strengthen students’ academic skills.

All classes are held on the campus of CHS and meet Monday through Thursday.

The Cullman City Schools will offer summer feeding for the month of June. West Elementary will be the curbside pick-up site on Tuesdays (June 7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th) from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM.

Congratulations to our Baseball, Softball, Soccer (boys and girls), Track and Golf teams who all represented our school system in AHSAA postseason competitions and tournaments.

Also congratulations to our East Elementary, Cullman Middle and Cullman High School Archers who qualified and represented our school system last week at the 2022 NASP National Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky. Four of our students were named All-American Academic Archers.

Thatcher Lucas, NASP Elementary Division

Madeline Seidel, NASP Middle School Division

Will Bolzle, NASP High School Division

Forrest Calvert, NASP High School Division

Congratulations 2022 graduates. No one can say “I know how it feels” when you describe your 4 years in high school. You managed and successfully navigated unparalleled times. Now, use your collective resolve, grit, and determination to make a great impact on this world.

Earlier this month we conducted interviews for both the Cullman High School and Cullman City Primary School principal positions. We had over 30 applicants for the high school vacancy and over 40 for the primary school. Throughout the interview process we had in-depth educational conversations with some amazing administrators.

I want to thank all who applied and more importantly those who we had the opportunity to interview. As we conclude these searches, I'm excited about the two principals approved by the Board of Education. Both Mrs. Shaddix and Mrs. Tuggle are already in our school system and have proven records of making a difference in the lives of the students we serve. I truly believe both of these administrators will value, protect, and promote the Cullman City School System standard that has made us one of the top school systems in Alabama.

Congratulations to both Mrs. Shaddix, the new principal at CCPS, and Mrs. Tuggle, the new principal at CHS.

Enjoy your summer, make great decisions, and stay safe Bearcats! We will see you on August 10th, 2022 well rested and ready to start the 2022-2023 school year.

Students in grades 7 and 9 - 11 will keep their Chromebooks during the summer as they did last year and use that Chromebook next year. This has proved to be an effective process. We encourage students to use their devices over the summer.

Any senior or 8th grade student who has not turned in their Chromebook by the last collection day may turn it in to the school office.

The month of March is 1) 50% into the fiscal year. Revenues were at 2) 57.66% while

expenditures were at 3) 46.32%. Our total net operations were 4) $3,240,352. Total assets were 5) $11.99 M. We ended the month with a fund balance of 6) $11.98 M which brings us to 7) 4.44 months of reserves.