For Immediate Release:
February 4, 2025
For press inquiries only, contact:
Amanda Priest (334) 322-5694
William Califf (334) 604-3230
(Cullman, Ala.) – Attorney General Steve Marshall today presented the 2024 Safe School Initiative Award to Cullman City Primary School in Cullman, Alabama. The award provides the opportunity to recognize the excellent implementation of safety plans and identify current trends in school safety.
“Cullman City Primary School’s commitment to safety is truly outstanding. By integrating advanced security measures, fostering strong relationships with law enforcement, and prioritizing student well-being, they have created a model for safe and effective learning environments,” stated Attorney General Marshall. “This award recognizes their dedication to not just meeting, but exceeding, the highest standards of school safety.”
In presenting the award today Attorney General Marshall said, “The Attorney General’s Office is proud that Cullman City Primary School was selected as one of the winning schools in Alabama for 2024. In making this decision, judges noted many things that distinguished Cullman City Primary School including an excellent school resource officer training, inclusion of emergency response agencies, strong use of technology and outstanding mentoring programs.”
Cullman City School System Superintendent Kyle Kallhoff provided further, “It is a tremendous honor for Cullman City Primary School to be a recipient of the 2024 School Safety Initiative award. School safety is the top priority on all five of our campuses as evidenced by the recent investment in camera systems, door access entry systems, wayfinding signage and our memorandum of understanding with the Cullman Police Department. I am ecstatic for the administration, faculty, staff, students and families of CCPS to be recognized for their dedication to creating safe learning environments.”
The selection process featured a comprehensive application and review process by a panel of independent judges who possess real-world insight into school safety trends. All applicants were evaluated in their ability to enhance safe school protocols through preparation and training; collaboration with local emergency response agencies; involvement of school resource officer or alternate security personnel; structure and innovation of safety technology, community participation; and law-related and prevention education.
For the Attorney General’s Safe Schools Initiative, six schools from across the State of Alabama were selected to receive the Safe School Award, the highest achievement. Those winners are: Orange Beach Middle & High School, Orange Beach; UMS-Wright Preparatory School, Mobile; Ladonia Elementary School, Phenix City; Russellville Elementary School, Russellville; Cullman City Primary School, Cullman; and Elvin Hill Elementary School, Columbiana.
An additional eight schools exceeded the minimum state requirements and exhibited dedication to higher standards for student learning, mental health, and safety. These schools were recognized by receiving a congratulatory letter and certificate from the Attorney General.
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