Cullman City Schools has ranked among the state’s best public education systems for a number of years.

High academic standards, a culture of learning and technology are certainly what make the city system desirable. The success of local schools provides valuable incentives in the field of economic development as business and industries look to expand or relocate to Cullman. Recently, Cullman High School received a complete makeover, providing enhanced technology for teachers and students to prepare for tomorrow.

All of these qualities provide a source of pride and accomplishment.

Looming over this success for school officials is how to deal with issues of overcrowding and whether to invest in additional space for students. Superintendent Dr. Susan Patterson said every effort is being made to ensure students have an environment that is comfortable and educationally rewarding. Indeed, students have many opportunities to prepare for the next step after graduation.

The dilemma for school board members and the superintendent is sorting through two contradictory trends — falling birth rates and a steady expansion of our local economy. From the standpoint of city leaders, the economic growth appears to be with us for some time. Much of that growth has been in the retail and restaurant sectors, which is more an indication that Cullman is a regional shopping destination than a center of population growth.

Even with a falling birth rate, officials have to be concerned about what will happen if population growth picks up because of economic advancements. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates about 82,000 residents call Cullman County home. That amounts to about an increase of 2,000 people since 2010. The city’s population is 15,350 and has been slowly growing.

Nonetheless, additional growth in the industrial sector will likely push the population higher. Efforts are under way across the area to evaluate what is needed to bring more families into Cullman. If planning brings additional people to the area, the city school system will undoubtedly feel pressure to expand facilities.

School officials already have some money set aside to assist with building, when that determination is made. Local education leaders are to be commended for making a thorough examination of available options.