CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman City Board of Education at its April meeting approved two administrative moves. Dr. Chad Shannon has been named principal of West Elementary School for the 2026–2027 school year. Nic Gragg, current assistant principal at East Elementary School, will transfer to Cullman Middle School in the same role, effective July 1, 2026.
This upcoming year will mark the final year of operation for West Elementary, as West and East Elementary Schools prepare to combine for the 2027–2028 school year to form Cullman Intermediate School. Current West Elementary School Principal Dr. Jay Page will retire on June 30.
A proud product of the Cullman City School System, Shannon currently serves as assistant principal at Cullman Middle School, where he has built a strong reputation for leadership, organization and a commitment to student success.
“I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to lead West Elementary School,” said Shannon. “It has been a blessing over the past seven years to return home and raise my family in the same school system that I attended. I want to thank Mr. (Kyle) Kallhoff and the Board for their support and for this opportunity. Cullman truly is a special system because of its teachers, students and community support. I look forward to returning to a school where my educational journey began and working with our teachers in continuing a long tradition as one of the top districts in our state.”
Gragg’s experience at the elementary level will bring valuable perspective and continuity to the middle school administrative team.
Cullman City Schools Superintendent Kyle Kallhoff expressed confidence in the leadership transition.
“Dr. Shannon will do an excellent job at West,” said Kallhoff. “He is a thorough and organized administrator who will help us get our construction to the finish line on that campus while maintaining rigor and a positive school culture at the same time.”
“These strategic leadership decisions reflect Cullman City Schools’ ongoing commitment to strong leadership, thoughtful planning, and continued excellence as the district prepares for the opening of Cullman Intermediate School,” said a media release from the district.
