CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman City Schools has released its proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which the board said reflects a strong commitment to academic excellence, responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds and continued investment in facilities, programs and personnel to support student success.
The proposed budgeted revenues total $45,070,264 across the General Fund and Special Revenue sources, supported primarily by state funding (50.9%), local revenue (43.95%), and federal allocations (5.15%).
Recent history has proven that local revenues (property and sales tax) continue to trend upward, which has allowed the Board of Education to strategically invest in preparing for growth and safety on all five campuses.
“Our proposed fiscal year 2026 budget reflects a careful balance of responsibility and opportunity,” Superintendent Kyle Kallhoff said. “Behind the vision of our Board of Education, we are directing resources where they matter most — into classrooms, student programs, and safe, modern facilities — while maintaining the financial stability that our community expects. This budget is a roadmap for continued growth and success for every student in Cullman City Schools.”
Investing in teaching and learning
The majority of expenditures — 78.5% ($25.1 million) — are dedicated to classroom instruction, underscoring the district’s priority of keeping resources closest to students. Additional major expenditures include Operations & Maintenance (9.2%), Auxiliary Services (4.8%), and General Administration (4.7%).
State Foundation and classroom support
State Foundation Program Funding totals $21,150,806, which is an increase of $637,750 from last year.
Included in this State funding are the following allocations: Classroom Materials ($1,000/unit), Technology ($500/unit), Library Enhancement ($157.72/unit), Professional Development ($100/unit), Textbooks ($100/student). Raise Act additional funds include: Special Education ($256,975), Gifted ($6,683), English Language Learners ($51,787), Poverty/At Risk ($94,330).
Local school support
The budget also includes investments that directly impact students and campuses with these local school allocations that are distributed equitably based on school enrollment numbers: Operating allocation ($79,225), Capital projects allocation ($100,000), Custodial supplies allocation ($99,356), Athletic facilities upgrades at Cullman High School ($30,000), Arts allocation ($20,000).
Capital improvements
Cullman City Schools also continues to move forward with major facility upgrades, including
Cullman Middle School ($26.6 million in contracts, with $3.4 million remaining), Cullman Intermediate School ($26.9 million in contracts, with $18.5 million budgeted for FY 2026), Cullman High School STEM/CTE facilities ($11.9 million in contracts, with $8.6 million budgeted for FY 2026), and Athletics ($200,000 for turf replacement and $500,000 for new soccer locker room facilities).
Financial stability
Cullman City Schools remains on solid financial footing with a projected fund balance reserve of $10.7 million at the end of FY 2026, representing just over three months of operating expenses.
The Cullman City Board of Education will review the proposed budget in upcoming public hearings before considering a final adoption on Sept. 11.
