CULLMAN COUNTY, Ala. – The Cullman County Commission on Education at its October 2021 meeting approved the hiring of four new leaders for the school system: assistant superintendent, director of federal programs, director of instructional programs and technology coordinator. The new hires are a result of retirements in the school system.
- Richard Orr, assistant superintendent
Richard Orr (pictured above) has worked in Cullman County for 14 years, most recently as principal at Parkside K-8. Orr has also served as assistant principal at Good Hope Elementary and Fairview Middle School. “I feel blessed to have been a part of the Cullman County School District for 14 years at three incredible schools, surrounded by people that have mentored and guided me along the way,” said Orr. “The last 11 years at Parkside has been the highlight of my career surrounded by a loving and talented staff and special community. I am excited to use the lessons I have learned and the experience I have gained to help continue the great work being done in our school district.” Orr earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Central Missouri and his Educational Specialist degree from The University of Alabama.
- Angie Yarbrough, director of federal programs
Angie Yarbrough has worked in Cullman County for 26 years, most recently as principal of West Point Elementary. As director of federal programs, Yarbrough will be responsible for administering all federal (Title) funds as well as special COVID-19 funding made available through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). Yarbrough began her teaching career at Cold Springs Elementary. “It is my pleasure to serve Cullman County Schools as director of federal programs,” said Yarbrough. “I am committed to collaborating with stakeholders, creating partnerships and building relationships to foster continued growth within Cullman County Schools.” Yarbrough earned her bachelor’s degree from Athens State University, her master’s degree from Alabama A&M, and her
Educational Specialist degree in Elementary Education and Educational Administration from the University of Alabama.
- Tonya Cupp, director of instructional programs
Tonya Cupp has worked in Cullman County since 2017, and most recently as principal of Good Hope Primary. As director of instructional programs, Cupp will lead all areas relative to curriculum and instruction. Cupp began her teaching career with Cullman City Schools before becoming assistant principal and later, principal of Arab Elementary School. “I look forward to working with this outstanding leadership team,” said Cupp. “Together, we will elevate Cullman County Schools to the next level.” Cupp earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Alabama, and her master’s degrees in Elementary Education and Instructional Leadership, as well as her Educational Specialist degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
- Brad Williams, technology coordinator
Brad Williams began his career with Cullman County Schools in 2004, serving as one of the first computer technicians in the district. He later worked as a senior-level technician with Mountain Brook City Schools before returning to Cullman County in 2015 as the Instructional Technology Systems support specialist. He has served as a network administrator for the past two years. “I am honored to serve as the next technology coordinator for Cullman County Schools,” said Williams. “I want to thank Dr. Barnette and the Board for giving me this opportunity. I am very excited to lead our team as we serve our administrators, teachers, staff and students and provide them with the support they need to be successful.”
“While our newly hired administrators have big shoes to fill, I know they are up to the challenge,” said Dr. Shane Barnette, Cullman County School superintendent. “They each have proven leadership experience, love the students of Cullman County and are ready to help lead our school system to continued greatness.”
Orr, Yarbrough, Cupp and Williams will transition into their new roles November 1.
