Board recognizes staff and student commendation; superintendent reports fall break change and student struck in crosswalk

The Cullman County Schools Board of Education opened its Sept. 11 meeting with recognitions and remarks, including a student e‑mail praising a longtime custodian and a school counseling program designation.

Aiden Freeman, identified in a read‑aloud as a senior at Cold Springs High School, wrote to the district praising the school's custodian. The reading quoted Freeman: “Mister Brian Tidwell is the school's custodian, and he's a true lot to our school. Every morning when we walk into school, he stands in the hallway and greets us. He makes us feel welcome and glad to be at school.” The board invited Brian Tidwell to stand and be recognized.

The board also recognized Susan Lewis for a RAMP designation tied to a comprehensive, data‑informed school counseling program. The presenter said the designation “recognizes schools for creating exemplary educational environment leading to improved student outcomes.”

In his superintendent's report, Dr. Barnett said the district adjusted its fall break from the traditional Monday–Tuesday schedule to a Friday–Monday arrangement, partly because the Friday had previously been an absenteeism spike. He said the schedule change aligns with the local fair and that students will be admitted free to the fair on that Monday.

Dr. Barnett also reported on a recent safety incident at a campus crosswalk: a student was struck by a car while crossing. He described the circumstances in a message read to the board and urged heightened caution. “That young man is back at school. Thank God. And he's recovering well,” Dr. Barnett said, adding that principals were asked to remind drivers and students to be attentive in campus crosswalks.

The board announced its next regular meeting for Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, with a work session at 3:30 p.m.