Updated Dec. 20, 2023 at 6:56 p.m.
CULLMAN, Ala. – In the recently-released Alabama State Department of Education Report Card, Cullman County Schools had overall score improvements at 23 of it 28 schools. With a district-level score of 89, Cullman County is tied with Madison County for first place among county school systems in north Alabama and ranks fourth among county school districts in the entire state.
In looking at the individual criteria that makes up the overall score, one area in which Cullman County Schools excelled is Academic Growth. The district has a perfect score of 100%.
“I am really excited that our district had 100% growth,” said Cullman County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette. “This means regardless of where our students came to us academically, we helped them achieve more. Our teachers are helping them learn, even in cases where a student may have special needs or is struggling by living in poverty.”
Cullman County Schools has a free/reduced lunch rate of 69.17%, and more than 23% of its students require Special Education services.
“We have some unique challenges in our district, and some would think those numbers would be reason enough to settle, but we’re never satisfied,” said Barnette. “We are only three points away from being the top county system in the state. More importantly, when you look at the challenges some of our students battle every day, and then you look at the progress we’ve made, I’m very proud of where we are as a school system. This is the core of our vision.”
The Cullman County Schools vision statement, which is part of its five-year strategic plan, reads as follows: “Cullman County Schools, in partnership with our community, will be the driving force to empower all students with skills and knowledge that are vital to becoming responsible, successful, well-rounded citizens in a rapidly changing society.”
For more details on the Alabama State Department of Education Report Card, visit https://reportcard.alsde.edu/SelectSchool.aspx.
