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Interim director Dr. Farley outlines communication plan, ParentSquare rollout and leadership development
Summary
Dr. Farley, interim director of Cumberland County Schools, told the board he would prioritize regular communications, launch ParentSquare for 2025–26, revive leadership development programs and focus on third‑grade proficiency and new science textbooks if appointed permanent director.
Dr. Farley, the current interim director, told the Cumberland County Board of Education he has focused on stabilizing the district since his appointment and presented a detailed transition plan and priorities should the board select him for the permanent director role.
Farley said he has emphasized organization, relationship building and follow‑through during his interim tenure and highlighted accomplishments including meeting state requirements for closing the school year, visiting every school, and guiding budget discussions. He proposed a communications package that would include a weekly Monday email he called "Farley's follow through," a monthly column in the Crossville Chronicle and immediate alerts for emergencies.
As part of operations planning, Farley said the district will adopt new science textbooks that align with state standards and that the district has ordered most copies. He proposed using the 30/60/90/120‑day framework to meet with principals, hold convocation, publish an organizational chart and conduct staff 'temperature checks.' Farley also said the district plans to implement ParentSquare for the 2025–26 school year to deliver messages by phone, text and email and to support messages in multiple languages.
On leadership development, Farley described continuing assistant principal meetings and an aspiring administrators academy — programs he said produced applicants for administrative openings — and proposed more structured mentorship and scenario‑based training for leaders.
Farley told the board he would work closely with principals and supervisors to develop a third‑grade plan to increase ELA proficiency and flagged building repairs and technology as ongoing operational needs.
He closed by asking for the board’s confidence and said he would be visible in the community, attend county commission meetings and school events, and work to leave the district "better than I found it." The board said it will consider candidates and vote on a finalist at its Thursday meeting; contract negotiation parameters were discussed as the next step if a finalist is selected.
