CULLMAN – Steven Sides today officially announced his intention to seek re-election to the Cullman City School Board, Place 3.
Sides, a life-long resident of Cullman and graduate of Cullman High School, is married to Kathy Pitzing Sides and is the father of two daughters, Katelyn and Lana, both also graduates of Cullman High School.
“My family has been involved in Cullman my whole life. My dad, Jack Sides, served one term as a county commissioner and three terms as mayor and my sister, Betty Sides Bostick, served two terms on the board of education,” said Sides in a prepared statement. “I love this community and only wish to do all I can to see it grow and prosper. I feel my history of being involved with the schools as a student, parent and citizen, makes it logical for me to continue to give back to the community in this capacity.”
Sides has been executive director of the Cullman Housing Authority for 12 years, having previously served as Housing Manager for seven years. Prior to that, he was an independent business owner in Cullman.
“My professional experience, along with my service on the board of education, has provided me understanding of the challenges in working with federal and state budgets when funds are reduced, which is a skill that would serve our schools and community moving forward,” continued Sides. “As a board member, I want to do all that I can to help Cullman City Schools maintain the level of excellence we are known for, even when difficult economic times arise, as has often been in the case in Alabama, in educating our children.”
Sides has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Jacksonville State University and an MBA from NOVA Southeastern University,
Sides, who currently serves as the board’s vice president, has served two terms on the board so far.
Among the board’s accomplishments Sides is proudest of during his tenure are:
- New academic and family life and arts building, practice gym, science building addition and football stadium at Cullman High School;
- Renovated entrance and gym air conditioning at Cullman Middle School
- Remodeling of bathrooms and hallways at East Elementary School
- Media center and window replacement at West Elementary School
- One of five school systems in the state to maintain control of their Head Start program during and after sequestration budget cuts
- In academics, Cullman City Schools has continued to rank among the best in the state with test scores and increased the offering of diversified classes for our students. These key achievements were accomplished in spite of an economic downturn, through board leadership, while maintaining excellent system financial performance.
“As board president, I served on the leadership team with other members of the community and district in developing Cullman City Schools’ strategic plan. This plan was created through a high level of community and stakeholder input, resulting in a five-year plan that will chart the course to move Cullman City Schools further beyond its rich tradition of excellence,” Sides concluded. “I am seeking to serve on the board of education this upcoming term, so I can support the achievement of our community’s desires in meeting the objectives of the strategic plan.”
Cullman's municipal election will be held on Aug. 23.
