FAIRVIEW, Ala. – Cullman County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette is recommending Trett Hardman as the next principal of Fairview High School. A Fairview native and graduate, Hardman currently serves as principal of the Cullman County Child Development Center. Hardman will replace outgoing Principal Dr. Brad Stapler, who is leaving for a position with Guntersville City Schools.
“Trett has been an outstanding leader at the CDC, and we are excited about the positive impact he will bring to Fairview,” said Barnette. “Fairview has benefited from strong leadership, with its principals moving on to larger roles in education. I am confident Trett is the long-term answer to continue the Fairview tradition of success. With prior administrative experience at the high school level and a deep connection to the Fairview community, he is well positioned to lead and serve in a place he proudly calls home.”
Hardman is a 2010 graduate of Fairview High. He went on to letter in collegiate football at Samford University. Following graduation, he returned to Cullman County, where he worked as a special education teacher at Fairview High. He also coached multiple sports and served as athletic director.
After a year in the district’s special education office, Hardman entered administration as an assistant principal at West Point High. He has served as principal of the Child Development Center for the past three years.
Hardman holds an Educational Specialist degree in Instructional Leadership from Auburn University at Montgomery, a master’s degree in secondary education from the University of West Alabama and a bachelor’s degree from Samford University.
“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve the Fairview community as principal of Fairview High School,” said Hardman. “Fairview is a community with a rich tradition, and I am thankful to give back to a community that has poured into me throughout my life. The last three years at the Child Development Center have been amazing, and I will forever cherish the relationships I’ve built with staff, students, families and stakeholders. Go Aggies!”
Barnette’s recommendation to hire Hardman will be presented to the Cullman County Board of Education at its next meeting, scheduled for May 18, 2026. Pending board approval, he will officially begin at Fairview on July 1.
