Academically our system is in very good shape, however we can’t rest on our laurels because we still have margin to improve. With the administrators, teachers and support staff we have in place I have no doubt we will continue to close gaps and maintain our status as one of the best school systems in Alabama. This performance is worth celebrating. I strongly encourage you to text, email or write to a teacher to congratulate them on contributing to a winning team and some of the highest scores ever recorded in the Cullman City Schools.

Cullman High School has been recognized as an A+ College Ready School of Excellence. This recognition underscores exceptional academic performance, robust leadership, and a steadfast commitment to delivering quality education. It serves as a testament to Cullman High School’s unwavering dedication to providing exemplary instruction, raising instructional rigor, and promoting student success. Cullman High School was one of four high schools in the state to achieve this accolade by surpassing individual teacher goals regarding qualifying scores on the spring 2025 Advanced Placement examinations.

Click this link to read more from AL.com.

With the recent passing of the CHOOSE Act, it is important to remember why the Cullman City School System remains the best choice for the best education! Here are five quick reminders…

In May of 2019, the Alabama Literacy Act was enacted. The Alabama Literacy Act was established to improve the reading proficiency of public school kindergarten through 3rd grade students and ensure that those students are able to read at or above grade level by the end of the 3rd grade. One requirement is for 3rd grade students who are not reading at grade-level, as indicated on the ACAP, to be retained in third grade.

Throughout the school year, teachers will provide parents feedback on how their children are progressing in reading using benchmark tools like DIBELS and iReady. Third grade students who do not meet the score on ACAP will be required to attend a mandatory summer reading camp in June. At the conclusion of the reading camp the identified students will have one more opportunity to take the ACAP and show that they are reading at a third grade level or above.

The third grade teachers at both East and West are very strong and receive tremendous support, however it is going to take a team (teacher, parent and student) to reach the 100% threshold.

Below are some of the highlights from the six broad areas of the Cullman City Board of Education's Strategic Plan and Strategic Commitments. The entire plan is located on the school system website (https://www.cullmancats.net).

1.Student Support and Safety

2.Technology

3.Curriculum and Assessment

4.Employees

5.Finance and Resources

6.Facilities

A huge shout-out to our very own Misty Waldrop, Technology Integration Coach, and Anna Anderson, CCPS STEM Teacher, for their exceptional work serving on the DLCS (Digital Literacy and Computer Science) Task Force Committee! Together, they played a crucial role in representing both Cullman City School District and educators statewide on the new standards.

For over a year, Misty and Anna dedicated their time serving on the task force committee to enhancing and refining the DLCS curriculum standards, ensuring our students are getting the cutting-edge education they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world. On November 13, 2025, Misty Waldrop presented the framework proposal at the Alabama State Department of Education meeting to Board Members and State Superintendent, Dr. Eric Mackey.

Misty and Anna's achievement and role with DLCS echoes a fantastic history within our technology team! Seven years ago, Aimee Bates, Assistant Principal of Cullman High School and former technology team member, also served on this very same task force that established the state's original curricula. This incredible coincidence highlights a powerful trend: for years, our team has been deeply dedicated to improving educational technology for the entire state of Alabama! 

News from the CFO

Full financial statements can be found on the Cullman City Schools website by clicking here.

The month of September is 1) 100% into the fiscal year. Revenues were at 2) 104% while

expenditures were at 3) 101%. Our total net operations were 4) -$2.0 M. Total assets were 5) $11.8 M. We ended the month with a fund balance of 6) $11.8 M which brings us to 7) 3.24 months of reserves.

Our students and most employees are out of school and work during the week of Thanksgiving. I hope everyone takes a moment to reflect on what he or she is thankful for. After my religious freedoms, spiritual beliefs and love for my family it is my profession for which I am thankful. I am extremely grateful for the 3,200 students we have an opportunity to influence, teach and guide. I am indebted to the employees with which I am able to serve and lead. Finally, I am thankful for our Cullman City School System families and stakeholders who provide the support and resources our students and employees need to be successful.

Happy Thanksgiving, Bearcats!