Seven Cullman County Schools principals have been chosen to participate in the Schools Foundation’s Principal Leadership Academy.

Vinemont High School’s Robin Netherton, Good Hope High School’s John Hood, West Point Intermediate School’s Mike Jones, Harmony Elementary’s Kevin Sullins, Good Hope Primary School’s Tonya Cupp and Cold Springs Elementary School’s Vicky Johnson and Good Hope Middle School’s Alan Dunkling were selected for the program, said Cullman County Schools Superintendent Shane Barnette.

The Schools Foundation launched the Principal Leadership Academy (PLA) this year under the direction of former Decatur City Schools Superintendent Ed Nichols. Superintendents of school districts in the foundation’s “Principally Speaking Network” area were invited to nominate principals in the first three years of school leadership to participate in the program.

Participants attend four sessions throughout the school year and learn about issues relevant to their schools and their community. The 2017-2018 class includes 35 principals from eight school districts across north Alabama, including the seven Cullman County principals.

Calhoun Community College hosted the first session on Oct. 24 at its Huntsville campus. Participants learned about their respective thinking styles and ways to modify their behaviors to deal with thinking styles that differ from theirs.

“I am so proud of all of our administrators in Cullman County. They are some of the most dedicated and hard-working educators in our state,” Barnett said. “I am excited that the seven principals that have been hired over the last two years are able to participate in the Principal Leadership Academy. Everything that The Schools Foundation facilitates is top notch! This group of principals are already highly effective, but I fully expect this networking opportunity to continue to help them grow professionally.”