Cullman Middle School Unveils Phase II Expansion with Community Celebration

Cullman City Schools celebrated a significant milestone on January 11, 2026, with a community open house marking the completion of Phase II of the Cullman Middle School expansion project. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by city and state officials, who welcomed residents to explore the newly developed instructional spaces.

Expansion Vision and Development

In summer 2021, the Cullman City School Board established a vision aimed at providing a safe and modern campus for students, enhancing academic spaces and expanding extracurricular opportunities. Groundbreaking for the project took place in May 2022, leading to the transformation of some of the district’s oldest facilities into a state-of-the-art educational environment.

“Many of us have driven by the corner of Oak Street and Second Avenue over the past few years and have seen the transformation of this campus from the ground up,” said Kyle Kallhoff, Superintendent of Cullman City Schools. “This doesn’t happen without everyone working together, and we are thankful to the mayor and Cullman city council for their support in our capital plan.”

Phase II of the expansion includes several core curriculum classrooms, as well as specialized spaces such as a modern media center, band and choir rooms, an art studio, and various science and technology labs. These facilities are designed to support hands-on learning, which has become a priority for both educators and students.

Community Impact and Future Goals

Kallhoff emphasized that the primary goals of this project are to improve student safety and to accommodate ongoing growth in the city. The expansion will facilitate the transition of sixth-grade students to the middle school campus for the upcoming academic year, necessitating renovations to older sections of the facility.

Visitors at the open house had the opportunity to tour modern classrooms equipped with updated technology and furnishings, all while enjoying views of downtown Cullman and nearby athletic facilities. “Inviting the community to tour the campus is an important way to show how local education funds are being used to modernize schools and invest in both current and future students,” Kallhoff noted.

Jake Johnson, Principal of Cullman Middle School, highlighted the significance of the expansion: “This doesn’t just represent a new building, but a new chapter for Cullman Middle School and one of the most significant accomplishments here in more than 50 years. We appreciate your belief in what this school can be.”

Support from state officials was evident, with Marie Manning, a member of the Alabama State Board of Education, commenting on the vision of Cullman City Schools: “There’s something that fills your heart when you’re surrounded by excellence, and in Cullman, you’re surrounded by excellence.”

Alabama State Department of Education Superintendent Eric Mackey echoed this sentiment, reinforcing the commitment to educational excellence in the community. The ribbon cutting attracted numerous attendees, including local business leaders, city council members, and educators.

Although the expansion is a major step forward, additional renovations are planned for the CMS campus, including updates to the original gym built in 1936 and modifications to classrooms that will accommodate sixth-grade students starting in the 2026-2027 school year. This initiative is part of a broader Safety and Growth Plan aimed at improving facilities across all campuses within the Cullman City Schools system.