CULLMAN, Ala. — The Cullman City School Board at its Oct. 20 meeting recognized students and faculty and named its new president and vice president.
See the separate full story on the Board’s contentious vote to extend Superintendent Kyle Kallhoff’s contract at www.cullmantribune.com/2026/10/21/cullman-city-school-board-approves-superintendent-kallhoffs-contract-through-2030.
Lily Shadeck
The first student recognized was Lily Shadeck, a Cullman High School junior, who founded the nonprofit Myth Busters Dyslexia Foundation.
Kallhoff said Shadeck is, “a leader, an advocate and a standout student who works to make a difference in this world.”
The inspiration began through her advocacy for her twin brother, Michael, who is dyslexic.
Her goal has been to bring awareness to the cause. At the meeting she spoke before the Board and audience saying, “Today is very special to me because I have the opportunity to give back to the very school system who helped shape who I am.”
Shadeck spoke about the determination she saw in her brother despite the challenges she watched him face.
“His journey inspired me to write my children’s book ‘The Dynamic Duo and the Mix Up Magic,’ a story that celebrates learning differences and reminds children that being different does not mean being less than,” she said.
Shadeck noted that Dyslexia affects 1 in 5 children and emphasized the importance of understanding and support for those individuals. The Myth Busters Dyslexia Foundation recently awarded three scholarships to help families access dyslexia testing.
Shadeck was also recognized by the Cullman City Council back in September.
Linda Bean
Kallhoff also recognized Cullman Middle School’s Linda Bean who teaches beginner, advanced and jazz band as well as piano.
“Her passion for music education, welcomed experience and commitment to excellence have made her a valuable part of our school system,” Kallhoff remarked.
He also said that, throughout her 37 years of teaching, she has used her passion to help students discover their musical talents and form a lifelong appreciation for music.
Kristi Patterson
Cullman Middle School Instructional Assistant Kristi Patterson was also recognized for providing support, encouragement and assistance to students with special needs.
“She approaches each day with patience, understanding and a genuine love for the students she serves,” Kallhoff shared. “Whether she assisting a student, supporting a teacher or simply lending a helping hand to help a colleague, Mrs. Patterson continuously goes above and beyond to make a difference.”
Alexa Park
Of Cullman Middle School student Alexa Park, Kallhoff said, “She is an exceptional young lady who consistently demonstrated academic excellence, while also displaying the character and kindness that make her a wonderful representative of our school system.”
Kallhoff noted that Park maintains excellent grades, but her kindness sets her apart from the masses. “She makes our school system a better place simply by being a part of it. We are extremely proud of Alexa and look forward to all she will accomplish in the future.”
Board business
The Board selected members David Wiggins and Amy Wood as delegate and alternate delegate to attend the Alabama Association of School Boards 2026 Annual Convention and Delegate Assembly in Montgomery on Thursday, Dec 3, 2026.
It also approved a request from the Cullman Middle School FFA Chapter to travel to Indianapolis, Indiana Oct. 21-24 to attend the 99th National Future Farmers of America Convention.
Tensions flaring
There was tension when the Board moved on to the extension of Kallhoff’s contract (see beginning of article), and still when it moved on to nominate a new president and vice president.
See the separate full story on the Board’s contentious vote to extend Kallhoff’s contract at www.cullmantribune.com/2026/10/21/cullman-city-school-board-approves-superintendent-kallhoffs-contract-through-2030.
In the vote for Kallhoff’s extension, Wiggins and Board member Mark Britton voted no, but Board President Jill Bradberry and Board members Amy Wood and Cheryl Harrison voted yes.
Moving on, Wiggins made a motion for Britton to become Board president, but Harrison, Wood and Bradberry voted against his recommendation.
Wood and Bradberry motioned for Harrison to be named president. All members approved except for Britton, who voted no.
For vice president, Harrison motioned for Wood to be named, and Wood herself seconded the motion. Britton and Wiggins voted no.
In accordance with the Code of Alabama and Cullman City School Board Policy, Kallhoff can serve as Board secretary, but he can also designate someone to take minutes. Harrison and Wiggins made a motion to name Jenny Cochran secretary, which passed.
The next Cullman City School Board meeting will be Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 5 p.m. at the Cullman City Board of Education building.
Cullman Middle School student Alexa Park was recognized by the Cullman City School Board on Oct. 20, 2026. She is pictured with Superintendent Kyle Kallhoff, left, and CMS Principal Jake Johnson, right. (Chasady Woods/The Cullman Tribune)
