Superintendent highlights first 100 days, launches Family and Community Engagement Cruiser

Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracey used his update to mark his first 100 days leading Cumberland County Schools and to highlight a new community engagement tool the district plans to use for outreach.

“Much of my time has been spent inside classrooms, seeing great teaching and learning in action, and engaging with our educators, principals, students, and staff members,” Bracey said, summarizing outreach efforts and announcing a forthcoming strategic planning process. “I'm encouraged. I'm listening. I'm learning, and I'm excited about the future.”

Bracey and other presenters described “Bracey Onboard,” a series of community listening events, and the debut of the Family and Community Engagement Cruiser (FACE Cruiser), a mobile hub equipped with Wi‑Fi, iPads and Chromebooks designed to provide services such as FAFSA help and kindergarten registration at neighborhood locations.

Speakers at the meeting said the bus debuted at events at Southview and Pine Forest high schools and drew community participation. “Welcome aboard the Family and Community Engagement Cruiser. It is finally here, fully stocked with Wi Fi, iPads, Chromebooks,” one presenter said. Students who attended the bus events also praised the innovation and said it helps connect families to resources.

Board Chair Deanna Jones thanked participants for attending the Bracey Onboard events and noted the FACE Cruiser is intended to “meet families where they are,” with future visits planned across the county. Bracey said he will present a fuller overview of his first 100 days and the strategic planning timeline at the board’s next regular meeting.

The board took no formal vote on launching the FACE Cruiser or the strategic plan at this meeting; the items were part of the superintendent’s informational update.