CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County School Board held its regularly scheduled December meeting at the central office Thursday afternoon and they had a lot of new business to attend to. Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette was sworn in for a new term along with three new board members. A pair of departing board members, Gene Sullins and Heath Allbright, were also recognized for all their contributions to the school system over their respective terms.
Before being sworn in for his next term as superintendent, Dr. Barnette recognized Sullins and Allbright, thanking them for the work they’ve put in since taking a seat on the board. They each shared a few words with the crowd, reflecting on their time serving on the board.
“It’s been a joy working with these boys on the board. When you work with them for a long time you get to know them and I’ll tell you what, I’ve really enjoyed working with every one of them. You guys will have a good board member taking my place. I said when I decided not to run that I wouldn’t let just anybody take my place. So, the best of the best, Larry Duke, is taking my place and I guarantee you he will do his best like I have to do what he can for your school and your teachers,” Sullins said. “Like I said I enjoyed working with all these board members, but I have to say thanks to one of them that has been the biggest help for me since I’ve been on the board and his name is Kenny Brockman. Kenny Brockman has helped me more than you could ever imagine since I’ve been on the board. Kenny is also a great friend, and I just want to say thank you for all you’ve done helping me along the way.”
Allbright added,
“Dr. Barnette was talking about all the things we’ve been able to accomplish, and I feel like this is something very special that I’ve been able to be a part of. My two biggest constituents when I came on in 2016 were eight and five years old in Cade and Lily and they just didn’t understand why we couldn’t have a Subway and a McDonalds at Holly Pond,” Allbright joked. “It’s truly something I feel special to be a part of. Eight years has gone by really fast, and I thank the people of the county for trusting me. I’ve met some really good friends and brothers in Christ that I’ll always count on in the future.”
The first to be sworn in for their new term was Barnette and earlier when the meeting began, he shared some perspective on what the County School system has been able to accomplish in recent years.
“Over the last eight years we’ve moved from having one day beyond the state required balance in reserve to when we look at it now, we have around 140 days in reserve, which is a blessing. We’ve done about $70 million in projects, and we’ve brought our school system into the new century as far as facilities,” Barnette said. “We’ve replaced a lot of buildings and repaired a lot of buildings and beyond just the infrastructure we’ve got procedures and policies in place so that regardless of who is in these roles, we hope the great things that are happening now will continue to happen for many years. We’ve moved from about 80% on our graduation rate to now we’re right at a 97% graduation rate. At that time about 72% of our graduates were ready for college or a career and today we’re at 99%. So, I just want to commend you two (Sullins & Allbright) and the entire board for what we’ve accomplished over the last eight years.”
After Barnette was sworn in for his new term, the incoming new school board members were up next.
Larry Duke is taking the seat for District 1, representing West Point High School, West Point Middle School, West Point Intermediate, West Point Elementary and Harmony School.
Richard Hays will serve as the board member for District 3, representing Holly Pond High School and Holly Pond K-8.
Wayne Myrex was sworn in as the representative for District 5, which includes Cold Springs High School, Cold Springs K-8 and CARE (Alternative School).
The County School Board will hold its next regular meeting on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 3:30 p.m. at the central office.
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