CULLMAN -–On Thursday at 2 p.m. at the central office of the Cullman City School System, Dr. Elton Bouldin read a prepared statement thanking the board, the teachers he has worked with over his 28 years in education, along with fellow administrators and students for their support while formally announcing his retirement from the CCS.
“I will retire from employment with Cullman City Schools effective August 1, 2016. It has been an honor to serve the Cullman City community for the last 28 years. Over that time – six years as an agribusiness teacher, seven years as the Cullman Middle School Assistant Principal and Federal Programs Administrator, ten years as the West Elementary Principal, and five years as the Cullman High School Principal – my life has been blessed by the thousands of students, teachers, and family members that I have shared that time with.
The success of Cullman students as they learn, perform, and compete is what makes Cullman City one of the best places in America to raise a family. Sue and I moved to Cullman in 1987 because we believed it was the perfect place for our family, and we have not been disappointed. We have been blessed beyond measure as we shared our children’s journey through Cullman City Schools as both parents and educators. Last week my oldest son, who works abroad, and his family returned to our home, and we are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their third child in December. We are both retiring this year to fully enjoy time with our children, especially the short amount of time we will have with our grandchildren.
My educational years have included many special people and special times; however, my fifteen years as a principal have been rewarding beyond measure. First, to all of my colleagues at West Elementary, I want say a heartfelt thank you for sharing with me a decade of what school should be like. We learned together, we played together, we prayed together, we cared together. What a special blessing Sue and I enjoyed as we shared those years with you!
To the students, families, and my colleagues at Cullman High School, please know that my life has been enriched because of the five extraordinary years that you have allowed me to enjoy with you. Providing an exemplary experience that will meet this community’s high expectations for Cullman High School is a challenging task. That challenge was made more daunting with the three year on site construction and renovation of Cullman High School.
It has been an amazing time to have a front row seat at Cullman High School. I can attest that during the last five years, the Cullman High School faculty, students and parents have worked diligently from 8-3 to provide an academic education that rivals any high school in America. Then from 3 until whatever time it takes, you have worked tirelessly to ensure our students have cherished, life-long memories through their participation in academic, fine arts, career, and athletic performances. This success has been affirmed by many state and national recognitions. Thank you for a job well done. Our community is a much better place because of Cullman High School, and it has been a personal blessing to be a part of that great community of service with you.
To my family, words cannot express how much I appreciate your support. You have been gracious and kind. Thank you, I love you and look forward to having you all together again during the upcoming months.
Finally, my life’s mission is summed up in the words of the Apostle Paul, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). God has blessed me with a special time during the last twenty-eight years, and I do wish to testify to his faithfulness and goodness. I also want to encourage all of those associated with Cullman City to claim that promise and continue the good work that is Cullman City Schools.” – Dr. Elton Bouldin, June 30, 2016
The board unanimously accepted his resignation. CCS superintendent Dr. Susan Patterson accepted the resignation of Dr. Bouldin and stated the following:
“Dr. Elton Bouldin submitted his intent to retire as of August 1, 2016. This request was accepted and approved by the board. On behalf of the board, I would like to wish Dr. Bouldin the best in his retirement as he looks to spend more time with his family and thank him for his tireless service to Cullman City Schools.
The vacancy for the position of Cullman High School principal was posted on Monday, June 27th and will be posted for 14 days as required by state law. Selecting the CHS principal is our first priority to ensure that the faculty, staff, and most importantly students have all that is needed to begin the 2016-2017 school year. The goal is to have a recommendation for the position at the next regular board meeting on July 19, 2016.
Our Director of Technology and Curriculum coordinator will continue the development and implementation of the Virtual School. Our focus for 2016-2017 will be to provide virtual course offerings to students in grades 9-12 and to work collaboratively with the new CHS principal to establish the premiere Virtual School that provides the rigor and real world learning experiences our students need to be successful in their post high school choices.” – Dr. Susan Patterson, CCS superintendent.
Dr. Bouldin was originally set to retire in December 2016, following a five-year educational run as principal of Cullman High School.
One of Dr. Bouldin's strongest supporters is Coach Bobby Meyer. He said Dr. Bouldin has been an excellent leader at CHS.
"His guidance has prospered the growth of a good school to one of the State and Nation's Best schools," Meyer said. "His leadership has taken Cullman High School to unprecedented success academically and athletically. He leaves Cullman High School as a 'Beacon of Success' that surely many will want to emulate."
Jennifer Calahan, CHS English teacher, had worked with Dr. Bouldin closely over the past five years.
"I have taught at CHS for more that 25 years and have taught under the supervision of five great administrators," Calahan said. "During these last five years, Dr. Bouldin has guided our school through some of the most impacting changes and promoted our students and their achievements to nationally recognized standings. I will not only miss his professionalism but also his daily Christian example."
For more on Dr. Bouldin’s 28-year career, read his biography below.
Biographical Summary – Cullman City Schools – Elton Bouldin by cullmansense
