The Fort Payne Board of Education reluctantly accepted Superintendent Jim Cunninghamâs announcement that he plans to retire, effective October 1.
Board members offered their gratitude for his 36 years of service to the city schools, including the past 18 at the helm, as they began the search for a successor.
âThis has been the best thing thatâs ever happened to me because we have a great school system in a great community, working with outstanding board members, and I really appreciate that,â Cunningham said. âOur employees are fantastic, as you know.â
Board attorney Rocky Watson and Board President Jimmy Durham offered comments praising Cunninghamâs forward-looking leadership to build campus facilities and tech infrastructure that have resulted in academic and athletic excellence, including success in keeping children learning and reopening schools despite the many challenges of doing so during a pandemic.