The Cullman County Board of Education at its July 13, 2023 meeting approved Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette’s recommendation to hire three new principals.
Dr. Johnny Whaley is the new principal of Fairview High School. Whaley has 21 years of experience as a classroom teacher, guidance counselor, and instructional leader at both the middle and high school levels. Whaley most recently served as principal of Vinemont Middle School.
“I am excited to join the Fairview family,” said Whaley. “Fairview is a special place with great tradition, and I am blessed with the opportunity to serve this great community.”
"I am really excited about the experience that Dr. Whaley brings to the Fairview Community,” said Dr. Shane Barnette, Cullman County School Superintendent. “He is eager to work along with the other administration, faculty, staff, and parents to continue the rich tradition of excellence that makes Fairview a special place."
Kyle Chamblee is the new principal of Vinemont Middle School. Chamblee previously served as Assistant Principal of Vinemont Middle and Elementary. He has also served in administrative roles at Hanceville and West Point over the past eight years.
“Two years ago, I came to the Vinemont community as an Assistant Principal for the Elementary and Middle School and I was immediately welcomed by the staff and community,” said Chamblee. “I look forward to continuing the work with the VMS staff and Vinemont community as principal. Dr. Whaley has left huge shoes for me to try to fill and he will be missed. I would like to thank Dr. Barnette, Mr. Graves, and the rest of the board members for this opportunity. I will give Vinemont my all each day to make it the best it can be.”
"I know the Vinemont Family hates to see Dr. Whaley leave the Middle School but his replacement is a familiar face. Mr. Chamblee has been serving the elementary and middle
school as their assistant principal and is now ready for this next step,” said Dr. Barnette. “He is a well-respected leader that will continue to embrace the entire Vinemont Community while leading the Middle School to great things."
Trett Hardman is the new principal of the Child Development Center. Hardman previously served as Assistant Principal of West Point High School. He has several years of experience in special education, previously serving as Special Education Preschool Coordinator for the district as well as teaching at the CDC and Fairview High.
“I am beyond excited to serve as Principal of the Cullman County Child Development Center,” said Hardman. “The CDC family is a special group of students, staff, and stakeholders and I look forward to all of the great things that we are going to accomplish throughout this upcoming school year and in the future. I am excited about all of the opportunities that will be made available for the students at the CDC.”
"Trett Hardman is passionate about leading and supporting students with special needs and his experience working at the Child Development Center in the past helps him to understand the challenges and rewards that the faculty and staff face there,” said Dr. Barnette. “I am confident he is going to hit the ground running."
"I am thankful to have this caliber of leadership coming from within our school system,” said Dr. Barnette.