CULLMAN, Ala. – On Tuesday, the Cullman City School Board noted that the day’s meeting was the last for Dr. Susan Patterson as system superintendent. An amendment to Patterson’s contract was approved, under which she will step down April 1, but stay on with the system “for a few months” to help new Superintendent Kyle Kallhoff make a smooth transition.
Patterson said, “It’s been truly an honor and a privilege to work for Cullman City (Schools). I know I’m going to miss it. There’s some aspects I’m sure I’m not going to miss, but of course I plan on continuing, so I’ll be around in different capacities,” adding, “I wish y’all the best, and I do think we’ll have a smooth transition and be ready to start a normal school year next year.”
The board also heard from Cynthia Green of Liberty Learning Foundation about the Liberty’s Legacy curriculum currently in use in the system’s elementary schools, and about a proposed expansion of the program. Second graders have participated in the curriculum for two years learning about “school and community heroes.”
Green spoke about an opportunity for the system to partner with the City of Cullman and the foundation to expand the curriculum to seventh grade students, and to offer a pilot program-–the first in north Alabama-–for ninth graders known as “Citizen Promise,” which teaches civics, character, financial literacy and personal accountability. Green noted that the program is provided at no cost to the system.
Agenda notes:
The board approved:
- The Cullman City Schools 2021-2022 School Calendar
- A recommendation from McKee & Associates to award the bid to Covington Flooring Company for Cullman High School gym floor replacement
- Permission to purchase materials from Robbins Sports Surfaces, Inc. for CHS gym floor replacement
- Permission to replace the soccer field fence by AEGIS Fence Company
- Resolution of Adoption of the 2021 Division F Phase I Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Permission to contract with Jana Thrasher to provide K-1 virtual content creation and delivery to virtual students
- Permission to contract with Jennifer Sparkman to conduct Kindergarten screenings, and process new enrollment at Cullman City Primary School
- Permission to contract with Brandi Outzen to assist with Cullman City Primary School enrollment and other clerical duties 7/01/21 -7/31/21
- Permission to contract with Elizabeth Shaddix to provide student placement and other counseling duties at West Elementary School during summer 2021
- Permission to contract with Cullman City Schools nurses to provide support as needed for students attending the after-school tutoring program
- Permission to contract with Diane Culpepper to provide part-time counseling for students at Cullman Middle School beginning 6/01/21
- Approval of the revised 2020-2021 Textbook Committee Members for Cullman City Schools (revision to Cullman Middle School only)
- Approval of Head Start revision to Policies and Procedures PO-HRM06. HS Policy Council approval on 3/3/21
- Approval of Cullman City Head Grant Solutions NGA for FY20 Carryover Request for CARES Act Funds to FY21 $59,634.00
- Approval of Cullman City Head Start Community Partnership Agreements with Cullman County Department of Human Resources and Cullman City Parks and Recreation
The board did not give details on the approved items.
System Chief Financial Officer James Brumley reported that the current school budget is “on target” with a four-month reserve at present and said that he had “no concern at this point.”
In her closing remarks, Patterson noted that city schools will be closed, and students will be engaged in remote learning, Wednesday due to inclement weather, and she was pleased to report that the system has had only one report of a positive COVID-19 test in the last five weeks. She said that she looks forward to a transition back to more normal activities.
The Cullman City School Board meets next at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, 2021 in the central office board room.
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