Cullman Middle School Celebrates Completion of Phase II Expansion

Cullman City Schools marked a significant milestone on January 11, 2026, with the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Phase II of the Cullman Middle School expansion project. Local officials, including City and State representatives, joined the community for an open house, showcasing newly completed instructional spaces designed to enhance the educational environment for students.

The Cullman City School Board initiated the vision for this expansive project in the summer of 2021, focusing on creating a modern and safe campus that accommodates both academic and extracurricular activities. Construction officially commenced in May 2022, leading to the heartfelt completion of state-of-the-art facilities that replace some of the oldest buildings within the district.

“This transformation has been remarkable,” said Kyle Kallhoff, Superintendent of Cullman City Schools. “The support from the mayor and the Cullman City Council has been invaluable in realizing our capital plan. We are excited about the opportunities this campus will provide for our students now and for future generations.”

Phase II includes a variety of core curriculum classrooms and specialized spaces. These consist of a modern media center, band and choir rooms, agriculture and consumer science classrooms, an art studio, two science labs, a STEM lab, a Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) lab, an agriscience lab, a health science classroom, and a special needs classroom focused on independent living skills.

The expansion aims to support hands-on learning, an essential priority for both teachers and students. Many of the new classrooms are equipped with updated technology and furnishings designed for lab-based instruction. Kallhoff emphasized that the primary goals of the project are to enhance student safety and accommodate the continued growth of the city.

Next school year, the district plans to transition sixth grade to the middle school campus, necessitating renovations to older wings to facilitate this change. Attendees of the open house had the opportunity to tour the modern classrooms and experience the upgraded learning environments, which include scenic views overlooking downtown Cullman and nearby athletic facilities.

“This represents not just a new building, but a new chapter for Cullman Middle School and one of the most significant accomplishments here in over 50 years,” stated Jake Johnson, Principal of CMS. “We appreciate your belief in what this school can be.”

The event was further endorsed by Marie Manning, a member of the Alabama State Board of Education representing Cullman, who remarked on the strong vision of Cullman City Schools. Eric Mackey, Alabama State Department of Education Superintendent, echoed this sentiment, stating, “There’s something that fills your heart when you’re surrounded by excellence, and in Cullman, you’re surrounded by excellence.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony attracted numerous state and local officials, including current and former school board members, Alabama Senator Garlan Gudger Jr., local businessman Roy Drinkard, and various teachers and administrators. Although the expansion has been completed, a few renovations remain, including updates to the original gym built in 1936 and modifications to twelve classrooms previously designated for seventh grade to accommodate sixth grade beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

The CMS expansion is part of a comprehensive Safety and Growth Plan that encompasses new construction and renovations across all campuses of the Cullman City Schools system. The project reflects a commitment to providing high-quality educational facilities that meet the evolving needs of the community.