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Three schools honored as national Title I distinction winners; Superintendent Bracy outlines community-driven strategic plan development

FAYETTEVILLE — The Cumberland County Board of Education celebrated significant academic achievements and launched a comprehensive strategic planning process during its November 10 meeting, recognizing three schools for national Title I distinctions and honoring outstanding educators and community partners.

Armstrong Elementary, Grace Creek Elementary, and 71st Classical Middle School were all recognized as National Title I Top 10 Distinguished Schools for excellence in serving students with disabilities and closing achievement gaps. 71st Classical Middle received additional recognition as first place in North Carolina for closing achievement gaps by 24 points and was awarded a $12,500 stipend to attend the National Elementary and Secondary Education Act conference in Denver.

Superintendent Dr. Bracy, marking her 133rd day leading the district, outlined an ambitious strategic planning process that will guide the district through 2031. The community-driven effort, facilitated by RTI International, will incorporate feedback from hundreds of stakeholders through focus groups, surveys, and community engagement opportunities.

“Feedback from these first 133 days will not sit on the shelf,” Dr. Bracy stated. “It is actively shaping our strategic planning process. This will be a community-developed, board-guided plan that sets a clear course for the next several years.”

The meeting featured powerful student presentations, including eighth grader Ava Lynn from Grace Creek Middle School, who highlighted juvenile homelessness in Cumberland County. “In Cumberland County schools, each year 800 to 900 students experience homelessness,” Lynn noted, acknowledging the board’s recent proclamation naming November as Homeless Youth Awareness Month.

The board also recognized outstanding educators, including:

  • Najawa Ben Ray (71st High School), named Foreign Language Association of North Carolina Teacher of the Year
  • Rocky Barnett (E.E. Smith High School), named 2025 North Carolina Theater Arts Educator of the Year
  • Pamela Story, Cumberland County School Social Work Coordinator, appointed by Governor Stein to the North Carolina Interagency Council for Coordinating Homelessness Programs

In legislative updates, the board acknowledged Cumberland County Commissioners for providing $11.4 million in funding that has resulted in the region’s highest teacher supplement scale and a 6% increase for classified staff supplements.

The strategic planning process will continue through the 2025-2026 school year, with a final plan targeted for adoption in June 2026. Community members can stay informed and provide input through the strategic planning website and upcoming engagement opportunities.

Cumberland County residents can learn more about the strategic planning process and provide input at the CCS Strategic Planning website. The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 9, 2025.