Cumberland County Schools

The Superintendent provided an update highlighting February observances, including American Heart Month and Black History Month, and recognized 28 students named as The Fayetteville Observer's Future Black History Makers. The monthly 'What's Right with CCS' spotlight featured Janice Swoope, a Lead Orchestra Teacher with over 40 years of service. Key administrative actions approved by the Board included the contract with Proximity Learning for Exceptional Children's Case Management Services and a professional services agreement with Quinn Assessment Services for psychoeducational assessments. The Board also approved several proclamations for CTE Month, National School Social Work Week, and Random Acts of Kindness Week. Revised Policy 6524, "Network Security" (2026), received approval, as did Restart Reform Model Applications for five schools, allowing them increased operational autonomy. Furthermore, the Board approved allowing parents/guardians of high school students residing on Fort Bragg to enroll them in any comprehensive CCS high school starting the 2026-2027 school year. Finally, following committee recommendation, the Board approved a School Consolidation and Facility Modernization Plan based on an independent evaluation of facility conditions and enrollment trends. Recognitions included Imanuel Barnwell as the Exceptional Children's Representative, and Julia Burns as the February Extra Mile Award recipient.

The Superintendent provided an update highlighting good news, including student achievements in the Rose Bowl Parade and the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. Several educators were recognized as state finalists for prestigious teaching and principal of the year awards. The Board acknowledged January observances, including National Mentoring Month and honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. The Board expressed gratitude for School Board Appreciation Month. The Superintendent encouraged sharing positive district stories via a new monthly video series, 'What's Right with CCS,' to counter declining enrollment challenges. Key administrative actions included the Board approving an increase for Exceptional Children's contracts with AMN Staffing Services, LLC., and Soliant Staffing, LLC., and approving a professional services agreement with Refine Communication Solutions, LLC, for speech evaluations. The Board also approved a proclamation recognizing National School Counseling Week. Several revised policies received approval, including Technology Responsible Use Policy (including Generative AI), Internet Safety, Children of Military Families, Concussion and Head Injury, and Network Security (first reading). Furthermore, initiatives supporting Career Readiness, Curriculum Coaching, and Personalized Instruction were approved. The meeting included recognitions for the Exceptional Children's Representative, ex-officio Student Government Representatives, the Junior Mayor of Fayetteville, a Cross Country Champion, the January Extra Mile Award recipient, and the January Committed Community Support Award recipient.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation. Key segments included recognition of frequent attendees and the presentation by the student ex-officio representative, Alana Rochelle McMillan, who detailed her service, involvement in student council during the COVID-19 pandemic, leadership workshops, and community outreach efforts, concluding with encouragement for board members to visit schools. Following this, Willie Jean Oglesby Jr., the exceptional children's representative, discussed his extensive involvement in politics, published authorship, and future ambitions, as well as personal challenges related to Asperger's syndrome and a motivational shift following the passing of Kobe Bryant. The meeting also featured recognitions for student Cash Harris, North Carolina's High School State Bowling Champion, and professional Elaine Valerie, Director of The Academy of Information Technology, who was named the Skills USA Advisor of the Year. The Superintendent provided an update focusing on graduation season and the demonstration of successful student attributes, including launching rockets and providing meals.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation. The Superintendent's update highlighted staff and student recognition for accomplishments aligned with core management principles, noting high energy for the new year and spring semester. Discussions emphasized the ongoing challenges posed by the current health crisis, specifically noting a high positivity rate of over 32 percent, and stressed the importance of mitigation strategies such as masking, hand washing, and social distancing to maintain in-person learning. Free COVID testing options for students and staff were detailed, including drive-through testing on Saturdays. The latter portion of the meeting involved several acknowledgments and expressions of gratitude towards the board from various school associations and personnel, particularly regarding their leadership during challenging times. The public forum session included comments regarding educational values, student performance metrics, concerns over curriculum materials, bus driver pay, and policies related to masking.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and an invocation. Key discussion points included the recognition of frequent attendees and special guests. Significant time was dedicated to recognizing several exceptional individuals: Lawrence Maxwell Dyson as the G6 Scholar and student representative, Natalie Perez, a senior from Cross Creek Early College, and Kayn Sykes, a senior from Pine Forest High School, for their achievements and community involvement. Special recognitions were also given to Miss Manet Herp as the District's 2025-2026 School Psychologist of the Year, Miss Amber House and Miss Hodes as 2025 Teaching Teacher Fellows by the Mark Cuban Foundation for their focus on innovation and AI ethics, Miss Crystalin Paige for winning a $2,497 Bright Ideas Grant for her 3D printing project, Miss Christy Parker for receiving the December Extra Mile Award due to her outstanding performance and numerous responsibilities, and the Fedville Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club for receiving the Committed Community Support Award for their annual Thanksgiving giveaway and charity rides benefiting the Cumberland Academy.