CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman County Schools this week announced the appointments of three new principals for the upcoming school year: Dr Emy Hogland at Harmony School, Josh Davis at the Cullman County Child Development Center and Emily Paschall at Good Hope Elementary School.
Cullman County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette said the district is excited to welcome each leader into their new role.
“I am proud to announce that these outstanding administrators will serve as the next principals of their respective schools,” said Barnette. “While they each follow exceptional leaders, I am confident they are prepared and eager to guide their faculty, staff and students toward continued success and achievement. Each leader is excited to build strong relationships within their school community and looks forward to getting to know the students, families, faculty and staff they will serve.”
Harmony School – Dr. Emy Hogland
Hogland currently serves as assistant principal for both Parkside School and Vinemont Middle School. She brings 11 years of experience in education and educational leadership to her new role. Hogland replaces Kevin Sullins, who is retiring.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in K-6 Education from Athens State University, a master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from the University of West Alabama, an Education Specialist degree in Instructional Leadership from UWA and a doctorate in Organizational Change from UWA.
“I am honored to step into this leadership role at Harmony, and I am excited to serve such an amazing school community,” said Hogland. “I look forward to working alongside the outstanding teachers and staff as we continue to create a positive and supportive environment where every student can succeed.”
Hogland shared that Ephesians 2:10 has served as an inspiration throughout her journey in education: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Cullman County Child Development Center – Josh Davis
Davis currently serves as assistant principal at West Point Middle School and brings more than a decade of experience in education and leadership to his new role. He is replacing Trett Hardman, who is transferring to be the new principal of Fairview High School.
A 2004 graduate of Fairview, Davis began his career in education at Madison County High School, where he taught ninth-grade world history from 2014-2017. During his time there, he was named Madison County High School Teacher of the Year in 2017.
In 2017, Davis returned to Cullman County and joined Hanceville High School, where he taught history. He later served at Fairview Middle School from 2018-2021 and was recognized as Fairview Alumni Teacher of the Year for the 2019-2020 school year.
Davis began his administrative career as assistant principal at Holly Pond K-8 in 2021 before moving to West Point Middle School in 2022, where he has served since.
He earned a master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from UWA in 2019 and an Education Specialist degree in Instructional Leadership from Auburn University at Montgomery in 2023.
“I am incredibly grateful to be named principal at the Child Development Center,” said Davis. “This opportunity is an absolute honor. I’m excited to serve alongside the faculty and staff at the CDC as we continue to build on the foundation they have established.”
Davis also reflected on his time at West Point Middle School.
“I am very thankful for my time at West Point Middle. God blessed me with a wonderful situation to grow there these last four years,” he said. “I’m forever grateful to Mr. Thompson and the West Point community.”
Good Hope Elementary School – Emily Paschall
Paschall brings 16 years of experience in education to her new role. She is replacing Beverly Jenkins, who is retiring.
Throughout Paschall’s career, she has served students and teachers in a variety of instructional and leadership positions, including teaching first, third and fifth grades, serving as a district math coach and working as an elementary assistant principal for five years in both the Hartselle City and Limestone County school districts.
For the past two years, Paschall has served as instructional supervisor at Limestone County Career Technical Center, where she supported teachers, instructional improvement and student opportunities across career and technical education programs.
In addition to her work in schools, Paschall is the author of “Eyes on Culture: Multiply Excellence in Your School” and serves as a national public speaker, supporting educators and school leaders in the areas of school culture, leadership and instructional improvement.
“No matter the role I have served in, I have always considered myself a teacher first,” said Paschall. “I believe great schools are built through relationships, trust and a shared commitment to kids. I believe our job as educators is to recognize every child’s strengths, help them discover their purpose and empower them to become everything they were created to be.”
Paschall and her 9-year-old daughter, Avery, are excited to join the Raider family and become part of the Good Hope community together.
“I am honored, humbled and grateful to be entrusted with such an important role,” she added. “Schools are the heart of a community, and I cannot wait to join Good Hope in serving and supporting the next generation. Go Raiders!”
Barnette will recommend Hogland, Davis and Paschall to the Cullman County School Board for approval at its next meeting, which is Monday, May 18. Each principal will officially begin their new role on July 1.
