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Cullman City Schools

Character / Citizenship / Scholarship

April Superintendent Newsletter

Posted Date: 04/28/26 (04:00 PM)
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A stylized bearcat head with open mouth and sharp teeth, inside a gold 'C'.

CCS System Update

April 2026

Staff and Student Spotlight

At the April meeting of the Cullman City Schools Board of Education, we had the opportunity to celebrate several outstanding individuals who represent the very best of our school system.
We honored Dr. Page on his retirement after 13 years of dedicated service as principal of West Elementary and 35 years in the field of education. His leadership has made a lasting impact on countless students, staff, and families.
Five individuals stand on a stage in front of a backdrop with 'CULLMAN CITY SCHOOLS' text, one holding a certificate.
West Elementary School staff members Misty Murphy and Julie Ray were recognized for their commitment and the positive difference they make each day for students.

Additionally, we celebrated 6th grade student Ava Hutson, who serves as an excellent role model for her peers through her character and example.

We are proud of each of these individuals and grateful for the way they represent Cullman City Schools so well.

Thank you to our partners from AmFirst Cullman who sponsor our employee recognition program.
A group of people stand together, celebrating Misti Murphy as the Certified Employee of the Month for West Elementary School.
Cullman City Schools honors Julie Ray of West Elementary School as Support Employee of the Month.
Ava Hutson is recognized as the "Student of the Month" at West Elementary School, pictured with school staff.
 

Administration Moves for the '26-27 School Year

At its April meeting, the Cullman City Board of Education approved two important administrative moves that will help position the district for continued success and a smooth transition into future school configurations.

Dr. Chad Shannon has been named principal of West Elementary School for the 2026–2027 school year. This upcoming year will mark the final year of operation for West Elementary, as West and East Elementary Schools prepare to combine for the 2027–2028 school year to form Cullman Intermediate School.

A proud product of the Cullman City School System, Dr. Shannon currently serves as assistant principal at Cullman Middle School, where he has built a strong reputation for leadership, organization, and a commitment to student success.

In a related move, Nic Gragg, current assistant principal at East Elementary School, will transfer to Cullman Middle School in the same role, effective July 1, 2026. Gragg’s experience at the elementary level will bring valuable perspective and continuity to the middle school administrative team.
A man with short brown hair and blue eyes smiles at the camera.
A man with a shaved head smiles at the camera, wearing a light blue collared shirt.
 

Special Olympics

Earlier this month the Cullman City School System hosted a Special Olympic track and field day for some of our most important students. The event took place on Tuesday, April 7th and was a huge success.
A group of young athletes on a track and field, some in uniform, others in casual wear.
 
Lacy Cameron is recognized as a "Sweet 16" Finalist for Teacher of the Year in Alabama.

Lacy Cameron and Special Guests

Lacy Cameron, 5th grade Teacher at East has been selected as one of the 16 finalists for the Alabama Teacher of the Year. Earlier this month, the current Alabama Teachers of the Year, Katie Collins and Aubrey Bennett dropped by Mrs. Cameron’s classroom for a visit. It was such an honor to meet them! They have represented Alabama so well this year!
A group of students and adults pose for a photo in a classroom decorated with student artwork and educational charts.
 
A huge thank you to our students, employees and families who attacked the ACAP (Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program) with enthusiasm and confidence. It is great to have the spring 2026 administration of ACAP behind us and we cannot wait to get the results. Personally, I am not a fan of an accountability system in which we measure success based on how a group of students perform on a series of summative exams administered over a two week period, but this is the system we have and each spring our students and employees attack it head-on.
 

Safety and Security

As a reminder, all visitors on any of our campuses must report to the front office. There are no exceptions to this rule. We want our schools to be some of the safest in Alabama and to do that it takes everyone pitching in.
 

Summer Camps at the Agriplex

A flyer for North Alabama Agriplex's 2026 Summer Camps, featuring various activities like hand sewing, machine sewing, nature day camp, garden camp, and farm tours.

We Want Your Feedback!

Scan the QR code below or click here to pick your Top 3.
The Cullman City School System's 'Six Pillars of Commitment' with a QR code for feedback.

CCS Commitments

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…
Cullman City School District document outlining commitments to students and staff.

Literacy Act

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.
Pathway to Promotion

Strategic Commitments

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
  1. Safe learning environments
  2. Access to related services
  3. Increase modes of communication
2.Technology
  1. Enhancing devices and connectivity
  2. Safe and secure networks
  3. Professional development and support
3.Curriculum and Assessment
  1. Rigor, critical thinking, and creativity
  2. Alignment of assessments intended outcomes
  3. More academic and extracurricular opportunities
4.Employees
  1. Consistent expectations from campus to campus
  2. Continuous training on 21st century transferable skills
  3. Seek the best educators
5.Finance and Resources
  1. Financial transparency
  2. Increase community and industry partnerships
  3. Budget for the Board’s vision
6.Facilities
  1. Clean learning environments on all campuses
  2. Plan for comprehensive Cullman Intermediate School (3-5)
  3. Expand preschool programs

Tech Check

Cullman City Schools was well represented at the 2025-2026 Governor's App Challenge that took place on April 13th at the Computer Science Summit in Montgomery, Alabama.

John Harding from West Elementary represented the Alabama District 6 Middle School division, and Henry Hackbarth, also from West Elementary, represented Alabama District 6 Elementary School division. They both did an incredible job presenting their apps and confidently answering questions from the judges. 

A big congratulations to Henry Hackbarth for earning 2nd place in the Elementary Division at the State Level!

We are so proud of their hard work and dedication.
A young person smiles while receiving a certificate from a man in a suit.

The Bottom Line

News from the CFO

Full financial statements can be found on the Cullman City Schools website by clicking here.
A financial report titled 'General Fund Analysis' displays budget and actual figures for revenue and expenditures.
The month of February is 1) 41.7% into the fiscal year. Revenues were at 2) 52.8% while
expenditures were at 3) 40.9%. Our total net operations were 4) $4.5 M. Total assets were 5) $16.3 M. We ended the month with a fund balance of 6) $16.3 M which brings us to 7) 4.57 months of reserves.
Newsletter Podcast

Next Update: May 2026

National Teacher Appreciation Week is the first full week of May (4th - 8th). I encourage everyone who reads this newsletter to take three minutes to email a teacher, send a note or place a phone call to just say “Thank you for choosing to be a teacher. I appreciate you caring for and loving other people’s children as if they were your own.”
Superintendent wearing black suit with gold tie
Kyle Kallhoff, Superintendent
Phone: (256)734-2233
Twitter: @kkallhoff