Over the past decade, Cullman City Schools has invested in its school facilities and its students, making it among the most academically rigorous districts in the state.

Steven Sides, incumbent Place 3 Cullman City school board member, wants to build on that academic excellence with the school system’s Five-Year Strategic Plan. Sides, who qualified this last week to run for reelection, is seeking a third term on the Cullman City Board of Education.

He has a challenger in Lee Powell who also qualified for the Aug. 23 municipal elections.

“In academics, Cullman City Schools has continued to rank among the best in the state with test scores and increased the offering of diversified classes for our students,” Sides said. “These key achievements were accomplished in spite of an economic downturn, through board leadership, while maintaining excellent system financial performance.”

A lifelong resident of Cullman and Cullman High graduate, Sides said he has a strong history in both the community and school system.

“My family has been involved in Cullman my whole life. My dad, Jack Sides, served one term as a County Commissioner and three terms as Mayor, and my sister, Betty Sides Bostick, served two terms on the board of education,” he said. “I love this community and only wish to do all I can to see it grow and prosper. I feel my history of being involved with the schools as student, parent and citizen makes it logical for me to continue to give back to the community in this capacity.”

Over the past eight years on the board —  what he called a “dynamic time for Cullman City Schools” —  Sides points to the following achievements:

* A new Academic and Family Life and Arts building, practice gym, science building addition and football stadium at Cullman High School.

* A renovated entrance and gym air conditioning at Cullman Middle School.

* Remodeling of bathrooms and hallways at East Elementary School.

* Media Center and window replacement at West Elementary School.

* One of just five school systems in Alabama to maintain control of its Head Start Program during and after Sequestration budget cuts.

As board president, Sides served on the leadership team that developed Cullman City Schools Strategic Plan.

“This plan was created through a high level of community and stakeholder input, resulting in a Five-Year Plan that will chart the course to move Cullman City Schools further beyond its rich tradition of excellence,” he said. “I am seeking to serve on the board of education this upcoming term, so I can support the achievement of our community’s desires in meeting the objectives of the strategic plan.”

For the past 12 years, Sides has been Executive Director of the Cullman Housing Authority and previously worked as Housing Manager for seven years. Prior to that, he was an independent business owner in Cullman.

“My professional experience along with my service on the board of education, has provided me understanding of the challenges in working with federal and state budgets when funds are reduced, which is a skill that would serve our schools and community moving forward,” he said. “As a board member, I want to do all that I can to help Cullman City Schools maintain the level of excellence we are known for, even when difficult economic times arise, as has often been in the case in Alabama, in educating our children.”

* Tiffeny Owens can be reached at 256-734-2131, ext. 135.