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Survey: 78.4% support shifting to middle schools; board plans stakeholder committee and to defer decision until new superintendent
Summary
A district survey about middle school configuration drew more than 1,100 responses and showed 78.4% support for creating middle schools. The board discussed forming a stakeholder committee and agreed to wait for a new director of schools before advancing major changes.
The Cumberland County Board of Education reviewed survey results on a proposed shift to middle-school configuration and heard that 1,100 responses were received, with 78.4% expressing support for middle schools.
Staff said the question was intentionally brief to gauge overall public sentiment. Board members and staff discussed next steps: performing internal research on costs, transportation, and potential redistricting; convening a stakeholder committee; and considering pilot or site options such as converting existing buildings or building new facilities.
A board member recommended delaying major decisions until after a new director of schools is hired. Several members agreed the new director should participate in selecting stakeholders and shaping the research. Board members also discussed that survey wording (which asked about modifying existing facilities) may have affected responses and that a reworded survey question might have drawn even stronger support.
The transcript records no board vote to change school configuration. Staff noted internal analyses — including cost, transportation, and redistricting implications — remain to be completed and that committee membership and timing will be set after preliminary work and the superintendent hire.
