Nine Cumberland County school board members introduce priorities, emphasize student readiness and teacher support

Nine members of the Cumberland County Board of Education introduced themselves and outlined priorities during the meeting, citing student readiness, teacher support and community engagement as central goals.

The introductions came as the board — which members said includes nine individuals representing numbered districts and at-large seats — set a public tone focused on curriculum equity, classroom conditions and community partnerships. Board members emphasized their backgrounds in education and described the role as an extension of long-term service to Cumberland County Schools.

Deanna Jones, board member for District 2, said she was “inspired to serve on the Cumberland County Board of Education really because of my love and passion for, children.” Judy Musgrave, vice chair and an at-large member, said she was encouraged by others to run and emphasized community representation, saying, “I was inspired to serve on the Cumberland County Board of Education really because of my love and passion for, children” and later stressing the need to bring the community in to support students.

Dr. Mary A. Hills, a newly elected board member for District 1, framed her candidacy as a continuation of a long career in the local schools, saying, “Because I'm a product of Cumberland County Schools. And as I look at the things that I've been availed because of being that product of Cameron County Schools, it was only kinda just fell into place.” Several members noted that experience as teachers or administrators shaped their priorities: “I've been a part of education for my whole life. I'm retired teacher of 32 years from the Cumberland County Schools District,” Susan Williams, representing District 5, said.

Dolores Bell, board member for District 3, said collaboration among board members is a priority: “We have to work together as a team. We have to listen to our community and our citizens, and we have to focus on the children.” Jackie Warner, representing District 4, said she was excited to serve because of the people on the board and the combination of current and former educators.

At-large member Greg West described the board’s work as impacting both employees and students: “What most excites me about the work in Cumberland County Schools is the impact we can have certainly on employees and creating a great work environment. But the the most exciting thing we do is to work on behalf of the children and where we can make a difference in children's lives and families' lives for for the rest of their life.”

Members repeatedly returned to the goal that graduates be prepared for their next steps. “My greatest hope that is every student walk across that stage, that they feel well prepared,” Jacqueline Brown, an at-large board member, said. Several speakers said they wanted to improve conditions for teachers so educators would not need to work multiple jobs and to ensure equitable curriculum across the district.

The remarks were introductory and did not include formal proposals, votes or assignments. Board members described priorities that will inform future agenda items and policy work but did not set specific timelines or make binding decisions during the introductions.