May Superintendent Newsletter

Cullman City Schools was recently recognized as a “Rising Star” school system by the Alabama State Department of Education for its strong academic efforts and implementation of the state’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. District leaders credit the recognition to Cullman City Schools’ customized instructional rounds process, which focuses on continuous school-based improvement, increasing instructional rigor, and providing high-quality learning experiences for all students. Our organization’s culture of growth, reflection, and collaboration among educators continues to drive student success and position Cullman City Schools among Alabama’s top-performing school systems.

Cullman City Schools continues to lead the state in workforce readiness, with the Cullman High School Class of 2025 achieving an impressive 87% success rate on the ACT WorkKeys assessment, up from 80% in 2024 and the highest performance in Alabama according to recent PARCA analysis. The assessment measures essential workplace skills tied directly to job readiness and career success. District leaders credit the achievement to intentional planning, expanded career technical education opportunities, strong partnerships, and a continued focus on preparing students to be both college and career ready. We remain committed to ensuring every graduate leaves Cullman City Schools with a plan, skills, and opportunity for success beyond high school. For more information be sure to visit the PARCA website https://parcalabama.org/.

Cullman City Schools continues to demonstrate exceptional academic growth and achievement, according to newly released data from The Education Scorecard, a partnership between research teams at Harvard University and Stanford University. The report ranks Cullman City Schools among Alabama’s highest-performing districts, placing in the 89th percentile nationally in math, the 94th percentile nationally in reading, and the 87th percentile nationally for learning rates. The data also shows strong academic growth since the COVID-19 pandemic, with a typical Cullman City fifth grade student performing at a level comparable to a typical seventh grade student nationally. Additionally, chronic absenteeism rates continue to decline and remain below state and peer district averages, reinforcing the district’s focus on student engagement, attendance, and academic success. These achievements and accomplishments are a result of the dedication of educators, students, families, and the community’s continued support of public education in Cullman. For more information on the Education Scorecard, visit https://educationscorecard.org/.

Literacy and Numeracy Camps will be in June at Cullman City Primary School. These are required summer academic camps for identified elementary students based on Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program results.

CMS and CHS Summer School will be at Cullman High School in June and part of July.

STEM Camp will be at East Elementary in July.

Several athletic and performing art camps and activities will take place at Cullman High School throughout the summer.

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

At Cullman City Schools, our commitment to our students and families doesn't take a summer break. The Technology Department is dedicated to serving our stakeholders year-round, ensuring that the transition from the classroom to the home environment is seamless and supported. As our students head out for summer vacation, we want to provide you with the tools and insights needed to navigate the digital landscape safely and productively during these warmer months.

As a school district, we see firsthand how technology empowers our students to create, collaborate, and learn. However, we also know that managing that same technology at home can feel like a full-time job. Whether it’s negotiating "just five more minutes" of gaming or navigating the world of social media, finding a balance is a challenge for every modern family.

To support you, our tech department recommends a fantastic resource from Common Sense Media: The Family Tech Planner.

Rather than a list of rigid rules, these planners are designed as conversation starters. They help families customize a "digital roadmap" based on their unique needs and the ages of their children (from preschoolers to high schoolers).

We encourage you to sit down with your child this week and look through the planners together. It’s not about taking away the fun it’s about making sure tech fits into your lives in a way that is safe, happy, and healthy.

Check out the planners here: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/family-tech-planners

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

The month of March is 1) 50% into the fiscal year. Revenues were at 2) 59% while

expenditures were at 3) 48.7%. Our total net operations were 4) $3.7 M. Total assets were 5) $15.5 M. We ended the month with a fund balance of 6) $15.5 M which brings us to 7) 4.37 months of reserves.

As another school year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what an incredible year it has been for the students, employees, families, and community of Cullman City Schools. This year has been filled with academic achievement, student growth, outstanding performances, athletic success, and countless moments that remind us why our schools are such a special place.

What makes Cullman City Schools truly exceptional is the people. Our teachers and staff continue to pour their hearts into serving students each day, our families remain supportive partners in education, and our students continue to represent our community with character, determination, and pride. Together, we are building more than successful schools, we are building opportunities and a strong future for every child.

As we celebrate another great year, I simply want to say thank you. Thank you for your trust, support, and commitment to our schools. I hope everyone enjoys a safe, restful, and well-deserved summer break as we begin preparing for another exciting year ahead.