The Cullman City Schools board has finalized the purchase of a house and plot of land adjacent to Cullman Middle School.

The two-lot property, located at 702 Second Avenue North, cost the system $130,000.

Totaling approximately one acre, Superintendent Dr. Jan Harris said the land is an investment in the school system’s future.

Since the city schools have limited available property, Harris said the additional lots could prove useful if the school ever needs to expand.

“This is something we wanted to acquire because we are landlocked,” Harris said.

Harris said no specific project is being eyed for the property at this time.

“We have no immediate need, but it is something we could benefit from by having,” she said.

At a recent meeting, the city school board also:

* Accepted a State Board of Education Resolution recognizing Cullman City Schools for Commitment to Equity and Access for 21st Century Learners and commends Cullman City Schools for being named a 2009 Salute District by the National School Boards Association.

* Accepted a United Way of Cullman County recognition with an Award of Excellence for being a Top 10 Contributor.

* Accepted a Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce recognition as an active Cullman Area Workforce Solutions (CAWS) participant.

* Honored the Cullman High School football team and coaches.

* Approved the January 16, 2010 minutes.

* Approved the January 2010 payroll of $1,699,872.95, invoices paid of $455,001.23, and January 2010 financial statements.

* Granted permission to surplus and salvage science equipment and furniture from the science building at Cullman High School.

* Granted permission to surplus and salvage old playground swings at East Elementary School and replace with updated equipment.

* Granted permission for the varsity boys, varsity girls, JV boys, JV girls and freshmen boys to travel to Nashville, Tennessee on March 12, 2010 to attend the SEC basketball tournament.

* Granted permission for the Indoor Drumline to travel to Nashville, Tennessee on March 19-20, 2010 to compete in the Winter Guard International Regional at Lipscomb University.

* Granted permission for the Indoor Drumline to travel to Nashville, Tennessee on March 26-27, 2010 to compete in the Southeastern Color Guard Circuit Championships at Lipscomb University. 

* Approved change order proposal #11 for the West Media Center project.  This change order is for additional undercutting for the parking lot. This item will be covered under “aid to construction allowance” and will not increase the cost of the project.

* Approved a change order proposal #10 for the West Media Center project.  Additional fencing requested to enclose the West Elementary campus to be paid by the West Elementary PTA.

* Adopted the “Idle-Free Zones” Campaign and the Pupil Transportation No Idling Resolution passed by the State Board of Education on November 12, 2009.

* Approved the Cullman High School Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) for the 2009-2010 school year.

* Granted permission to bid #02-16-10-02 and accept the lowest responsible bidder meeting specifications for the renovation of the bathrooms in the main building at East Elementary School and approval of Jim Hartselle, Davis Architects to let bids and provide architectural services for this project.

* Proposed new Board Policy BBBK – Board Member Training.  This policy will be sent out to the Policy Review Committee and brought back to the board for consideration.

* Proposed new Board Policy EDAL – Legacy Program.  This policy will be sent out to the Policy Review Committee and brought back to the board for consideration.

* Proposed approval of amended job description from Laptop Teacher/Coach to Technology Integration Specialist (TIS).  This job description will be sent out to the Policy Review Committee and brought back to the board for consideration.      

* Proposed approval of the 2010-2011 Head Start calendar.  This calendar will be sent out to the Policy Review Committee and brought back to the board for consideration.

* Approved the employment of Dion Brown, temporary (to fill a leave of absence) instructional assistant at West Elementary School, beginning January 4, 2010 through approximately May 6, 2010.

* Approved the employment of Penny Clark, temporary Title I teacher at West Elementary School, beginning January 27, 2010 through March 5, 2010 as needed for ARMT Academy.

* Approved the resignation of Mary Overton, Child Nutrition Program worker at Cullman Middle School, effective February 10, 2010.

* Announced the March board meeting for  6 p.m. Tuesday, March 16 at the central office.

* Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 225.