In this Times photo from April 2013, Lane Hill is recognized by Superintendent Jan Harris at an assembly in his honor.

I was a teacher/counselor at Cullman Middle School until retirement in 2012. Lane Hill is one of the best administrators I worked with over a 30-year career. I am appalled that the present BOE has decided CMS students will be better educated without him.

Is not the purpose of school to educate? Mr. Hill lead faculty and students to record breaking academic achievements. CMS academic standards have continued to rise to be among top schools in Alabama.

Under Mr. Hill’s leadership, programs were initiated to help struggling students become successful. Principals from schools across the state were anxious to learn how. I wonder if the current BOE has forgotten that Mr Hill was named Principal of the Year for Alabama as a result of the innovations he put in place at the middle school.

It seems to me that a grievous mistake has been made if the aim of the board is to provide a tried and tested leader with a superior school administration record. I am only left to think their decision was not based on a desire to do the best thing for CMS students, but to satisfy a personal or political agenda.

My hope is that they may realize a mistake and be willing to rectify it for the good of the school system.