Special education programs at area schools got a boost from the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office recently, receiving shares of the proceeds raised at last year’s annual Sheriff’s Rodeo.

Sheriff Matt Gentry and the Cullman County Sheriff’s Rodeo Committee donated $15,500 in rodeo proceeds to Cullman County Superintendent Shane Barnette and Cullman City Schools Superintendent Susan Paterson. 

That money will be divided between 31 area schools for programs geared toward special education and special needs children.

“The special needs rodeo is one of the highlights of the year for us at the sheriff’s office,” said Gentry. “It’s a great opportunity for the staff to be with the children, and to see the smiles and joy it brings.”

Barnette agreed, saying the event itself “is a blessing to all of our students.”

“And, for them to donate some of the proceeds back to the schools, where we can put it to use for our special education students — we’re really appreciative. We’re thankful for everything our sheriff’s office does.”

The funds will be used at each school for projects involving special education students, said Patterson Tuesday.

“It will be going to special needs programs at each school to use for instructional materials in their special needs classrooms,” she said at Tuesday’s meeting of the Cullman City School Board. 

“We really appreciate the sheriff’s office and the contribution they make every year, and I know our teachers and students appreciate it too.”