Cullman City Schools saw a change in leadership in 2021. Kyle Kallhoff took over the role of Superintendent in April with the retirement of Susan Patterson.

Under Kallhoff, the board set plans to expand campuses with an adjustment in the grade configuration. Cullman Middle and Cullman Primary Schools will be getting additional facilities while reconfiguring existing ones. To address overcrowding at the elementary schools, second grade will move to CCPS and sixth grades CMS over the course of several years as new buildings are constructed.

The board was able to finalize the land acquisitions needed to begin the expansions in February of 2022.

Cullman High School students were given a creative way to engage with their curriculum with the addition of a sensory lab. Principal Kim Hall said that the administration spent countless hours researching the benefits and concepts before deciding the lab was a great fit for its students.

“These past few years has brought to light the need for expanded support of social and emotional needs in the school setting,” said Hall.

In May, Alabama State Superintendent Eric Mackey was in attendance as Cullman Primary was named grand prize winner of the Dr. Louisa Moats Award for Excellence Implementing the Science of Reading.

Makey presented CCPS Principal Tricia Culpepper with the award and commended the students and teachers on their hard work.

“You are doing amazing stuff that other schools all across the country are taking note of,” Makey said.

In June the city schools were recognized as being among the nation’s top systems for board certified teachers. Being one of only four systems in the state –and less than 50 systems nationwide — to have more than 20% of its teachers to achieve national board certification.

“We are so proud of the educators here at Cullman City Schools, and this is simply an acknowledgement of all the hard work they put in, every day, to provide the best education possible for our students,” said Kallhoff.

As the 2021-22 school year began, the board geared up for what they hoped would be a return to normalcy.

During July’s board meeting Kallhoff stated that masks would no longer be required for students or staff members, but would be optional for those who felt safer wearing one. School meals would also once again be served and eaten in the cafeteria as well as events to be reopened for families and visitors.

“We’re trying to get back to typical school,” Kallhoff said.

Among the good news of school expansions and recognitions, there was controversy.

Resident Brian Ogstad petitioned the courts to bring an immediate halt to policies that he said included discussing COVID-19, the encouragement of face masks and promoting vaccinations.

The school system did not require students or faculty to wear masks at the time of the complaint, but did recommend their use by anyone who felt more comfortable wearing them. The petition was dismissed by the courts.

Parents of Black students attended board meetings asking the system to address incidents of harassment against their children after a video surfaced of a CHS student using racist language. The video was recorded off campus.

“Your actions or lack there of are short-changing the future of this community because you are refusing to demand better,” parent Jocelyn Logan, whose son is Black, said. She also cited several incidents of harassment toward her son and other Black students.

The system responded by partnering with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes held listening sessions. FCA advocate Devin Wyman, who is Black, was a guest speaker. Kallhoff said the sessions would be used to gather data that could lead to modifications in the systems procedures regarding diversity.

Nearly a month after announcing a pay increase for substitute teachers in January 2022, the Cullman City School system was able to add more than 30 to its database.

“Our teachers are working hard,” said Kallhoff at the Feb. 15 meeting. “They need to be able to take a day off and not have to worry about their classes or having to split their students. So I’m happy to have more substitutes in our database.”

The rate of pay for substitute teachers was raised from $75 per day to $125 per day to help reflect the increasing demand and decreasing supply of substitute teachers in the area.