Cullman County Schools has received an “A” on its 2023-2024 State Report Card. The systems increased its state score by 10 points in the last 6 reporting years. 

“We are thrilled to receive this recognition,” Dr. Shane Barnette, Superintendent of Cullman County Schools, said. “This A rating is a testament to the commitment of our entire school community to providing high-quality education for every student.” 

The State Report Card is a comprehensive assessment of school district performance, measuring factors such as student achievement, growth and graduation rates. The A rating achieved by Cullman County Schools indicates exceptional performance in these areas. 

Cullman County Schools attributes its success to several key factors: 

— Dedicated Educators: Highly qualified teachers and staff who are passionate about student learning 

— Strong Parent Partnerships: Collaborative relationships between parents and schools to support student success 

— Innovative Teaching Strategies: The use of cutting-edge instructional methods to engage students 

— Focus on Student Well-being: A commitment to providing a safe and supportive learning environment 

“Cullman County Schools earning an A on the state report card shows the hard work and dedication of our teachers in helping schools succeed,” Kim Lindsey, Cullman County Schools Secondary Curriculum Coordinator, said. “This grade reflects the district’s efforts to overcome learning loss from the pandemic, our increase in graduation rate and college and career readiness and our commitment to providing every child with exceptional educational experiences.” 

A press release from Cullman County Schools pointed out that the school system barely earned a B on the State Report Card for the 2016-2017 School Year.

“Everyone throughout the school system went to work and gradually improved the score to an 85, then a 90 just before Covid. After COVID, it has been a real challenge for the system to get back to where it was previously,” the press release stated.

“We have students on 30 different campuses, and I am super excited to say we have great things happening at all of them,” Barnette said. “While our students, faculty, staff, parents and community partners have a lot to be proud of, we cannot have the mindset that we have arrived because there is still so much to be done. Many of our students bring a wide variety of challenges with them to school … from poverty, intellectual, emotional, behavioral and mental health related, we want to help each of them to be successful beyond high school by helping them reach their fullest potential.” 

Report Card Stats from the 2023-2024 School Year (Overall Score: 90/A) 

— Graduation Rate: 97% (up from 94%) 

— College & Career Readiness: 98% (up from 97%) 

— Chronic Absenteeism: 11% (down from 13%) 

— More than half our schools saw an increase in their overall report card score 

Find more information on the state report card date at the Alabama State Department of Education website, alabamaachieves.com