CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman City School Board held its regularly scheduled meeting at its central office Tuesday morning and provided an update on facility upgrades, COVID-19 policies for the upcoming school year and approved a handful of new personnel members. After approving the finances and the minutes from June’s meeting, the board approved all action items and consent agenda items for this month’s meeting and heard from a parent who is concerned about mask policies for the upcoming school year. After the parent shared their concerns, Superintendent Kyle Kallhoff went on to give his Superintendent’s Report in which he addressed the topic of masks, vaccines and how the city school system would be handling those concerns.
“School starts Thursday, Aug. 11, less than one month away, so we are preparing. Summer cleaning is still taking place, professional development is still taking place, we have some employees at a conference in Mobile right now in addition to some other PD that’s going on. At all five campuses you’ll see preparation for what we hope will be a typical school year,” Kallhoff said. “As a reminder, facial coverings are not required but they are optional for students and staff members, had sanitizer will be provided in classrooms and common areas, COVID-19 vaccinations are not required for staff members or students, student meals will be served and eaten in the school cafeterias, school campuses and events are open to families and visitors as they were in the first semester of the 1920 school year so we’re trying to get back to typical school as well.”
Kallhoff also gave an update on improvements being made to facilities at some of the city schools. The gym floor at Cullman High School is currently being sanded and finished and when the work is complete on the floor, they’ll begin working to replace the bleachers as well. The floors of the cafeteria and hallway at West Elementary are also being sanded and refinished and at East Elementary, they hope to begin painting the hallway walls this week.
Superintendent Kallhoff then handed things off to the principals in attendance to introduce their newest additions to their faculty. CHS Principal Kim Hall introduced two new teachers, Joshua Marshall and Brandon Hyatt. Marshall is coming from Decatur and Hyatt is moving in from Blount County. Hyatt will teach math and Marshall will teach history and both will be helping coach boys’ basketball. Marshall will also work with the soccer team. East Elementary Principal David Wiggins was next, and he had to new staff members to introduce as well. Both Callie Westmoreland and Erica Veal are transferring over from the county school system. Westmoreland will take over a fifth-grade class and Veal will slide in as a second-grade teacher.
Cullman City Primary School Principal Tricia Culpepper then introduced her new staff members, Krista Johnson, Ashley Hulsey, Kassey Cox and Keri Bates. Johnson will be joining as a Kindergarten teacher, Cox is taking over as CCPS’ new curriculum coach and Bates, who has been an instructional assistant and recently received her degree from the University of West Alabama, will be taking over as a first-grade teacher.
July 13 Action Items
Approved financial report which includes monthly financial statements and cash balance/bank reconciliations for June 15, 2021, as presented by the Chief School Financial Officer.
Approved contract with Cullman County Board of Education for Career Technical Education Consultant Services at Cullman High School students beginning 8/1/21 – 7/31/22.
Approved technological services and system memorandum of agreement between the 32nd Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office and Cullman City Schools effective 10/1/21 (Helping Families Initiative).
Approved service agreement between Milestones Behavior Group, Inc. and Cullman City Board of Education dated June 25, 2021.
Approved agreement with Jones Institute for Rehabilitative Audiology, LLC. to provide Educational Audiology Services 7/14/21 – 9/30/22.
Approved waiver request for non-federal share for Cullman City Child Development Center (Head Start) for 2020-2021 budget.
Approved Cullman City Head Start 2021-2022 revised school calendar.
Approved contract with Kassey Cox to work up to 10 additional days in July 2021 to work at the discretion of the Curriculum Coordinator and principals.
Approved contract with Rachel Fondren beginning 7/14/21 – 7/29/21 for planning and schedule.
Approved contract with Kristen Gragg for counselor preparation services at Cullman High School 6/1/21 – 6/30/21.
Approved contract with Kevin Wilson to provide duties of Truancy Officer for Cullman City Schools 8/5/21 – 5/27/22.
Approved stipend for one day in July provided to the following teachers at West Elementary School to review ALSDE Standards for their grade level/area: Kim Dial, Stephanie Carver, Amy Sessions, Hali Echols, Tiffanie Shaddix, Allie Hesterly, Amber Hembree and Regan Caldwell.
Approved contract with Sharon Drake to assist Technology Department and maintain the CCS website and CHS website.
Consent Agenda Items
Approved Head Start Fiscal Reports for June 2021
Approved memorandum of understanding between Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education and Cullman City Head Start for Pre-K 1, Pre-K 2, and Pre-K 3 Grant Extension applications 6/15/21 – 9/30/22.
Approved surplus of 600 HP 65EE Chromebooks – several in non-working condition.
Approved salvage of Cullman High School outdated basketball gear.
Approved salvage of textbooks (out of adoption) from West Elementary School.
Approved salvage of assorted books (do not meet standards) from East Elementary School.
Approved salvage of GBC Pinnacle 27 Laminator from East Elementary School.
Approved salvage of Dell 755 Computer, Latitude E5550 Computer, Frigidaire Refrigerator, two tables, four child tables, 50 small chairs, 94 cots and three rugs from Head Start.
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