The Cullman County Board of Education on Tuesday approved the hiring of two new principals. Dr. Susan Patrick is the new Director & Principal of Cullman Area Technology Academy (CATA). Dr. Kellie Tanner has been chosen to lead Hanceville Middle School.
Dr. Susan Patrick is a 28-year veteran of the school system and has previously served as Principal of Hanceville Middle. Dr. Patrick is replacing Billy Troutman, who recently retired.
“I’m very excited to be named the new Career and Technical Education Director for Cullman County,” said Dr. Patrick. “The CTE field is wide open with opportunities for our students to find their niche and make a great living! I know that our phenomenal teachers and staff will continue to build upon the work of Mr. Troutman, and we will make our programs the best in the state.”
During her career with Cullman County Schools, Dr. Patrick has also served as a 7-12 math teacher, K-12 counselor, Secondary Curriculum Coordinator, Fast Track/Virtual Programs Coordinator, and high school assistant principal.
"I am excited about the direction that Dr. Patrick will lead our Career Tech program," said Dr. Shane Barnette, Cullman County School Superintendent. "She has a great deal of experience in curriculum and has worked with our Fast Track for Industry Program in the past. We have a shared vision for creating unlimited opportunities through career tech for our students."
Dr. Kellie Tanner will be the next Principal of Hanceville Middle School. Dr. Tanner is a 25-year educational leader. She currently serves as the Morgan County School District’s Director of Federal Programs. Dr. Tanner was also Principal of Danville Middle School for four years, and taught English for both Danville Middle and Danville High.
“I am beyond excited about the opportunity to work with the Hanceville Middle School family,” said Dr. Tanner. “It is a great privilege for me to be a part of this team that touches the lives of so many children every day. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone, and I am committed to always giving my best because that is what all students deserve.”
"I am proud that Dr. Kellie Tanner is joining our team. She will fit in perfectly with the great faculty and staff that is already at Hanceville Middle School," said Dr. Barnette. "I believe with her past experience as a middle school principal she will hit the ground running."