The Cullman City School System was one of the highest scoring school systems in the state in last week’s state report card, and system employees received special recognition during Tuesday night’s board meeting.

Out of 137 school districts in the state, the Cullman City School System was one of eight that received all “A’s” on its report card, and before getting into the regular business of the meeting, City Schools Superintendent Susan Patterson asked for all the  administrators, teachers and students present to stand and be recognized for the work done to make the system one of the top in Alabama.

“I know everyone puts in a lot of hard work and are dedicated to what’s best for our children, and it’s often not said how much we appreciate it, so thank you for all of your hard work,” she said. 

The system was not the only one to recently receive high marks. The board received the results of its 2018-2019 Superintendent Evaluation.

Out of the seven categories that superintendents are graded on in the evaluation, Patterson received an excellent rating in four of those and above average in the other three.

Board President Jason Neal said Patterson’s four years as superintendent have led the system through several major accomplishments, including completing a revision of board policies, ensuring fiscal responsibility, advancing the system’s 1:1 technology initiative and achieving the state’s highest rating in AdvancED accreditation. 

“On behalf of the board, I want to congratulate Dr. Patterson on her continued success, and encourage her to use the evaluation to guide improvement efforts, not only in her performance, but for our system as a whole,” he said. 

The board also completed its annual reconstitution of the board, with Joey Orr being elected as the new board president and Chris Branham being elected as the new vice-president.

Neal, who turned over the gavel to Orr during the meeting, thanked the rest of the board for voting him into the position last year, and said he is happy to work with a group of people who are working together to improve the city’s schools.

“Sitting in this seat is sometimes uncomfortable, but it really is nice to be part of such a great thing that is Cullman City Schools,” he said.