County approves new operator for employee childcare center after review and debate; vote 6-1

The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners voted 6–1 on June 16 to authorize the county manager to sign a one-year contract with Chapman's Management Company to operate the county employee childcare center, effective July 1, 2025.

Assistant County Manager Faith Phillips briefed the board on the selection process. Phillips said an RFP was reissued May 2, 2025 and advertised to licensed providers; four proposals were received. A seven-member county staff panel scored submissions on a 100-point rubric that emphasized ability to obtain and maintain a 3–5 star North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (NCDCD/NC DCD) rating, ability to accept child-care subsidy (DSS and military subsidy), and continuity of care for current children and families. "Out of 100 possible points, the 3 top scored proposals all were between 81 and 84," Phillips said. The panel interviewed the top three candidates and recommended Chapman's based on its progress toward national accreditation, government-contract experience, and a continuity-of-care plan that would retain existing staff where possible.

Phillips said NCDCD licensing staff and the attorney's office indicated no legal barrier to a transfer of license and that NCDCD was prepared to begin the transfer process immediately if the board approved Chapman's.

Vice Chairwoman Jones said she had received late information about bidders during the meeting and asked whether the material warranted further review; she suggested the possibility of discussing sensitive matters in closed session to allow commissioners time to consider newly submitted material. The board delayed final action until the meeting's end to give staff and the county attorney time to review the incoming material. After that process, Commissioner Tyson moved to authorize the county manager to sign the Chapman's contract with an effective date of July 1. The motion passed with Commissioners Tyson, Council, Chairman De Villier, Commissioner Mattel, Commissioner Faircloth and Commissioner Adams voting in favor and Commissioner Sherman Jones voting in opposition.

County staff said the contract timeline allows NCDCD to begin license-transfer work immediately and that the current provider submitted a 60-day notice of intent to terminate in May. Phillips told the board the transfer process would begin before the current provider's contract expires in July so that care continuity could be preserved for children and families.

Action taken: the board authorized the county manager to sign a one-year contract with Chapman's Management Company effective July 1, 2025 (vote: 6–1).