Cumberland County Schools names Dr. Eric C. Bracey next superintendent

The Cumberland County Board of Education unanimously appointed Dr. Eric C. Bracey as the district’s next superintendent on May 27, effective the upcoming school year, following the retirement of Dr. Marvin Connolly. The board’s vote was described as unanimous in the meeting transcript; the transcript did not include a roll-call tally.

Dr. Eric C. Bracey, superintendent-designate, said he grew up in Halifax County in the town of Weldon and is the son of two lifelong public educators. He described his mother’s 41-year teaching career, much of it in kindergarten and special education, and his father’s service as a high school principal. "If I can get them reading before they leave me, I'm setting them up for success throughout the rest of their schooling," Bracey said, recounting his mother’s philosophy.

Bracey told the board and audience that his parents’ example shaped his commitment to public education and to making a positive impact on every community he serves. He cited district progress in the previous year, saying, "you all removed 17 schools, I believe, is the number, from the low performing school this last year," and said he wants to "rally all stakeholders and make Cumberland County Schools the first choice for all students and families." The speaker prefaced the 17-school figure with "I believe," and the exact verification of that count was not provided in the transcript.

In prepared remarks, Bracey said he will spend the coming weeks visiting schools, connecting with families, and listening to voices across the community as part of a "journey anchored in excellence, one built on trust, a shared purpose, and a deep belief in what is possible for our students." He closed his remarks by thanking the district for the welcome and urging the community to "advance CCS excellence one student, one school, and one success at a time." A community chant followed the remarks.

Action and next steps recorded in the meeting: the board’s appointment of Bracey was announced as unanimous; the transcript did not specify the vote mover, seconder, or the numerical tally. The effective start date is described only as "the upcoming school year" and was not given as a specific calendar date in the transcript. Transition details, contract terms, and any formal start date were not included in the recorded remarks.

Cumberland County Schools’ leadership change will affect students, families, teachers and staff across the district. The transcript indicates Bracey’s priorities will include school visits, stakeholder engagement, and continuing work on academic performance and community partnerships. Further administrative details — including the board’s formal resolution, personnel contract terms, and an exact effective date — were not specified in the meeting remarks.

Reporting note: direct quotes and attributions in this account come from the meeting transcript of the May 27 announcement and from Dr. Eric C. Bracey’s on-record remarks at that event.