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Residents and school leaders urge board to address bus shop, warn of program cuts in budget hearing
Summary
During a public hearing on the recommended FY2026-27 budget, residents and Cumberland County Public Schools leaders urged the Board to address deteriorating bus shop conditions and warned that program cuts may be required without added funding; the hearing remains open through April 21, 2026.
The Cumberland County Board of Supervisors heard extensive public comment on April 14 about school funding and facility needs, with particular concern raised about the condition of the district’s bus shop.
Reginald Sims, who said he had toured the bus shop, told the Board he was "appalled at the conditions" and urged the county to consider improvements to protect students and mechanics. Several other speakers, including high school teacher Nate Layne and parent Elizabeth Jamerson, described how school programs benefit children and families and urged support for the schools. Layne said schools "would be worth a tax increase." Superintendent Missy Shores told the Board that without additional funding "items will need to be cut" and described the division’s ongoing efforts to expand career and technical offerings—masonry, forestry, auto mechanics and a teacher academy—if funding allows.
Speakers also highlighted extracurricular successes: the band’s performance at Longwood University, the speech team’s state championships, and FBLA students who may advance to national competition pending available funding. Graduation for the Class of 2026 is scheduled for May 15 at 6:00 PM.
Chairman John Newman announced the public hearing will remain open until April 21, 2026; residents may submit written or oral comments to Interim County Administrator Jay Scudder or Deputy Clerk Tiana Branch by the close of business on that date.
What’s next: The Board will take additional budget actions at the April 21 workshop and budget adoption meeting; the transcript does not record final budget decisions.
