CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Child Development Center (CCCDC) now has a metal fence, a reduced speed zone and flashing school zone signage, thanks to the persistence of parents and the collaboration of Cullman County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette and Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman.
A group of mothers (Hannah Roberts, Trudy Weaver, Kalina Black and Jennifer Hodges) has worked for nearly four years to get the speed limit in front of the school decreased and a new sign posted to alert motorists the area is a school zone.
After an incident in 2019 when Hodges’ daughter broke free from her mom’s hand and nearly ran out into the road, Hodges said, she was shaken up and realized she needed to act. Hodges said she realized how fast the motorists were driving along U.S. Highway 31 in front of the school; the speed limit increased from 50 to 55 mph.
Hodges took it upon herself to drive around the city of Cullman and said she noticed areas around other schools have reduced speed limits, and most have signs with flashing lights warning motorists they are in a school zone.
“I thought how unfair it was that our kids at the Child Development Center didn’t have that same opportunity for safety as children at other schools,” Hodges stated.
Hodges said she contacted the City of Cullman and the Cullman County Commission and was told the area in front of the CCCDC is a jurisdictional challenge. She contacted the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), and she said it agreed to help but informed her that it could be a months-long process.
When COVID-19 hit, the project stalled. Hodges then reached out to Barnette, whom she said became active in getting the project completed. However, after another year, nothing was moving forward.
In January 2022, another incident occurred when a child ran out onto U.S. Highway 31. A truck driver saw the child, according to Hodges, and parked sideways to block other vehicles while the child was brought back to safety. After that, she said, she approached Gudger and told him her story and asked for help. He agreed.
Within a few months, the discussion with ALDOT had resumed, a signage maintenance agreement was drafted, Barnette approved it and parts were ordered.
When asked about his role in moving the project forward, Gudger said, “I thought it was very important that the parents of that school never have to worry about having a child hurt, or losing a child based on security measures. I’m thankful and honored to do my job.”
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