HOLLY POND, Ala. – Cullman County Schools has selected Lindsey Howard as the next principal of Holly Pond Elementary School, pending approval by the Cullman County Board of Education.
Howard brings more than 15 years of experience in elementary education, literacy leadership and school administration to the position. A Holly Pond High School graduate, she currently serves as assistant principal at Arab Primary School. Previously, she worked as an Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI) Local Reading Specialist and spent more than 10 years teaching elementary students at East Elementary School in Cullman City Schools. She has also served as an adjunct professor at Athens State University.
“Lindsey is an outstanding educator and leader who has demonstrated a commitment to excellence throughout her career,” said Dr. Shane Barnette, superintendent of Cullman County Schools. “Her experience in the classroom, her expertise in literacy instruction and her recent work as an administrator have prepared her well for this opportunity. We are excited about the future of Holly Pond Elementary under her leadership and look forward to seeing the positive impact she will have on students, teachers and families for many years to come.”
Howard holds an Instructional Leadership Certification, an Education Specialist degree and a Master’s degree from the University of West Alabama, as well as a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University. She is National Board Certified in Literacy: Reading-Language Arts and, along with her colleagues, was recognized with the Alabama Literacy Act Exemplary Reading Award in 2023.
Howard said she is honored to return to the community she calls home.
“I am incredibly humbled and excited to return to my alma mater to help lead Holly Pond Elementary,” Howard said. “My family and I call Holly Pond home, and its community holds a special place in my heart. I look forward to working alongside HPE educators, families and staff, and I am eager to build upon the foundation that has been laid to support our school’s growth and success.”
Howard will succeed Karen Sparks, who is retiring.
“We are deeply grateful for Karen Sparks and the impact she has made on Holly Pond Elementary and the entire community,” Barnette said. “Her dedication to students, staff and families has helped shape the school’s success, and we wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.”
Barnette’s recommendation to hire Howard will be presented to the Board at its next meeting, scheduled for June 11, 2026. Pending board approval, she will officially begin at Holly Pond Elementary on July 1.
