CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman City Schools on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, announced that sixth-grade students and programs will remain at East and West Elementary Schools for the remainder of the 2025–2026 school year, rather than transitioning mid-year to the new Cullman Middle School facility.
“Our hopes were that we could make this transition during the Christmas break and give our employees and families a two-month notice to prepare,” said Superintendent Kyle Kallhoff. “However, we are not completely convinced that First Team Construction will be able to hand over the keys to the second and final phase of this project in enough time to make this move as seamless as possible.”
Once the second phase of the project is complete, current teachers and programs at Cullman Middle School will make internal moves to fully occupy both phases of the new facility. The district said stability and academic focus are top priorities as students and teachers work toward mastering essential standards and preparing for statewide assessments in April 2026.
“Once we return from Christmas break, it’s important that we do not disrupt the flow of school,” Kallhoff added. “Our students and teachers are focused on high-stakes testing, and we want to maintain consistency for them.”
On behalf of the Cullman City Board of Education, Kallhoff extended appreciation for the patience and understanding of families and staff as the district completes the significant multiphase construction project.
“We apologize for any inconveniences this delay may cause our families or employees, but we feel it is important to move only when we can guarantee construction is concluded,” he said. “Current sixth-grade students at East and West will be able to enjoy both phases of the new middle school when they move to CMS in August of 2026. Next year, our current fifth-grade students will become the first sixth-grade class to walk the halls of Cullman Middle School in nearly 20 years.”
The district expressed excitement for the future of the new Cullman Middle School campus, saying the facility will not only transform the landscape of Cullman, but will also provide a modern, safe and innovative learning environment for Bearcats for generations to come.
