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Randy Shannon emphasizes CTE experience, community partnerships and fiscal stewardship in Cumberland County director interview
Summary
Randy Shannon, a 30‑year educator and current supervisor of college and career readiness, told the Cumberland County Board he would prioritize industry partnerships, dual‑enrollment opportunities and transparent communication if hired as director of schools.
Randy Shannon, a 30‑year district administrator who said he currently supervises college and career readiness programs, told the Cumberland County Board of Education he would focus on community partnerships, career and technical education and careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars if chosen as director of schools.
Shannon introduced himself as an administrator and CTE director with two decades in career technical education and experience as a Title IX decision maker. He said restoring and expanding industry‑credential programs and building dual‑enrollment opportunities were central to his approach, noting he had previously secured grant funding and retooled programs rather than repeatedly seeking budget increases.
"My absolute strength is I'm an obstacle remover," Shannon said, summarizing his approach to problem solving and his willingness to try new programs and stop those that don’t produce results. He described starting new CTE programs, then pausing ones that underperformed and later reviving them after reassessment.
Board members pressed Shannon on communication and transparency. He said he would cultivate relationships with teachers, parents and community stakeholders, visit schools frequently and use existing notification systems to broaden outreach. He also said the district should "sell" its successes more, while being candid about challenges.
Shannon said he serves as a Title IX decision maker and warned that Title IX issues may become more common in districts statewide. He urged readiness and fiscal prudence, saying that if a program does not justify the investment — for example, if enrollment is too small — leaders should consider suspending it until conditions improve.
On instructional leadership, Shannon emphasized that strong relationships between teachers and students are a district’s most important asset and said supervisors should ensure curriculum and instructional time are used effectively.
The board ended Shannon’s interview after a final round of questions and thanked him for his time; the selection vote remains scheduled for the board’s regular Thursday meeting.
