Cullman schools report steady enrollment, reserves and construction progress

Superintendent Kohlhoff told the Cullman City Council on Oct. 30 that the school system’s enrollment is "just shy of 3,200 students," down slightly from last year, and that the district closed the fiscal year with more than three months in reserve.

Kohlhoff said preliminary state assessment data indicate the system is performing better than last year and that state report cards would be released in about two weeks. He said the board recently approved one‑time employee incentives — $1,000 for full‑time staff and $500 for part‑time staff — to be paid on the November paycheck.

On facilities, Kohlhoff said the middle school final inspection for the latest phase is expected in early December and that internal room shifts will prepare for fifth‑grade moves in August 2026. He said the high‑school career‑tech STEM wing and associated work are on schedule for student occupancy in the next school year and that an intermediate school project (contractor: Wyatt Builds) remains on track for spring 2027.

Kohlhoff described an urgent facilities issue at the high‑school baseball field, reporting a sinkhole near the visitors’ dugout tied to historic drainage work. "The board declared that as an emergency," he said, and plans to submit repairs to the state and obtain quotes once the state gives approval, with the goal of minimizing disruption to the season.

The superintendent closed by thanking city officials for their partnership and invited questions; none were recorded during the meeting.

Next steps: the district will notify the community when the phase‑completion open house is scheduled and will proceed with state review and contracting on the baseball‑field repair once state approval is received.