Students recognized and superintendent spotlights staff, mental‑health supports and teacher recruitment
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Summary
The board heard student testimonials from three students about virtual and early‑college programs, presented staff and community awards, and received a superintendent update highlighting recruitment, mental‑health resources and a profile on a veteran orchestra director.
The Cumberland County Board of Education opened its meeting with multiple student recognitions and presentations that highlighted district programs, student success and staff service.
Students from district programs spoke directly to the board. A middle‑grade student identified themself as 'Emile' and described benefits of the EC program, crediting teachers for improving focus and confidence. Malia Lewis, vice president of the Student Government Association at Cumberland Academy Virtual School, thanked the board for updated technology and mental‑health supports; she told the board students reported $1,717,200 in scholarships and 61 college acceptances this year. Andrew Smith, a senior at Cumberland International Early College High School and this year’s student‑body president, described how early‑college coursework developed responsibility and thanked the board for prioritizing student mental health and for the district’s new therapy options.
The board also recognized staff and community partners. Julia Burns of the district’s technology department received the 'Extra Mile' award for frequent, responsive assistance with school bookkeepers and finance staff. Adrian McPherson and the Barber Coalition received a 'Committed Community Support' award for back‑to‑school giveaways, book bags and other student supports; Shakira Hodges (CTE development facilitator at Max Abbott Middle School) was cited as the nominator.
Superintendent remarks noted district observances for February (American Heart Month, Career and Technical Education Month, National Black History Month), recognized student honorees selected by a local paper as 'Future Black History Makers,' and announced recruitment and retention efforts for teachers. The superintendent introduced a short video feature on Janice Swope, Reed Ross Classical School’s lead orchestra director with more than 40 years of service; staff said a full interview would be released on district social media later in the week.
The superintendent closed the update by thanking staff, reminding the public about upcoming observances, and noting continued emphasis on supporting students and teacher recruitment as key components of student success.
The meeting then moved into public comment and agenda business.