1 HR267
2 213965-1
3 By Representative Ledbetter
4 RFD:
5 First Read: 04-MAY-21
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1 213965-1:n:05/03/2021:BH/bh LSA2021-1284
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8 COMMENDING FORT PAYNE CITY SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT
9 JIM CUNNINGHAM FOR PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS.
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11 WHEREAS, with great pride and special pleasure, we
12 extend highest commendations to Fort Payne City Schools
13 Superintendent Jim Cunningham for 36 committed years of
14 service; and
15 WHEREAS, Superintendant Cunningham has been
16 diligently serving Fort Payne City Schools in Fort Payne,
17 Alabama, for the past 36 years; he retires on October 1, 2021;
18 and
19 WHEREAS, a native of Fort Payne and a 1975 graduate
20 of Fort Payne High School, Superintendent Cunningham graduated
21 from Jacksonville State University in 1979, where he earned a
22 Bachelor's Degree in Education; shortly after graduation, he
23 began his career in Jackson County; in 1984, he began working
24 at Jacksonville State University; he has held various
25 positions within the Fort Payne City Schools system, including
26 Assistant Principal at Fort Payne High School, Principal at
27 Forest Avenue Elementary School, Principal at Wills Valley
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1 Elementary School, Principal at Fort Payne High School, and
2 Superintendent of Fort Payne City Schools; in 1990, he earned
3 a Master's Degree in School Administration; in 1992, he earned
4 an Education Specialist Degree in School Administration; and
5 WHEREAS, a man of selflessness, Superintendent
6 Cunningham recently rewarded the school staff for going above
7 and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic with a one-time
8 supplemental payment of $1,250 for all regular and certified
9 employees who worked during the 2020-2021 school year; and
10 WHEREAS, Superintendent Cunningham is a member of
11 the Association of School Superintendents of Alabama, Alabama
12 Education Association, Fort Payne Education Association, Fort
13 Payne Kiwanis Club, Fort Payne Rotary Club, DeKalb County
14 Sports Hall of Fame Board, DeKalb County Tourist Association,
15 DeKalb County Library Board, Industrial Development Board of
16 Fort Payne, the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce, and Fort Payne
17 Church of Christ; and
18 WHEREAS, he and his wife, Bettina Cunningham, have
19 one daughter, Cori Cunningham; and two stepdaughters, Casey
20 Stiefel and Jess Bewley; and
21 WHEREAS, Superintendent Cunningham is indeed an
22 inspiration, a leader, and a friend to many; now therefore,
23 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF
24 THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, That Fort Payne City Schools
25 Superintendent Jim Cunningham is highly commended for
26 dedicating 36 years to the school system, and this resolution
27 hereby serves as a tribute to him with warmest appreciation
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1 and admiration, along with sincere best wishes for continued
2 happiness and success during his retirement.
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