Residents, educators, and local leaders warn closing the school could disrupt families and undermine growth in Spring Lake.
Dasia Williams
Dasia Williams is CityView's K-12 education reporter. Before joining CityView, she worked as a digital content producer at the Chattanooga Times Free Press and also wrote for Open Campus Media and The Charlotte Observer.
Posted inK-12 Education
Cumberland County Schools Faces New Complaints Over Special Education Practices
A state investigation into the case of a sixth grade student finds the school district violated state policies governing services for children with disabilities.
Posted inK-12 Education
Cumberland County School Board Approves $671 Million Budget for 2026–27
After an extended public comment period focused on school closures, the Cumberland County Board of Education in the final minutes of its Tuesday meeting approved Superintendent Eric Bracy’s proposed $671 million budget for the 2026–27 school year.
Posted inK-12 Education
Students, Families Push Back on Cumberland County School Closures
During the final minutes of the Cumberland County Board of Education meeting Tuesday, Fathom Geerts, a 17-year-old junior at Alger B. Wilkins High School, stepped to the podium wearing a school T-shirt and holding a printed speech in her hands.
Posted inK-12 Education
Chronic Absenteeism Drops Nearly 5 Points in Cumberland County Schools
Chronic absenteeism in Cumberland County Schools has dropped to 27.4% midway through the 2025–26 school year, a nearly five-point decrease that translates to roughly 2,300 more students attending school more consistently.
Posted inK-12 Education
School Board Accelerates Construction Schedule for New E.E. Smith High
The Cumberland County Board of Education voted Thursday to reject the district’s proposed consolidation and construction timeline before approving a revised version that moves up construction of a new E.E. Smith High School by two years.
Posted inK-12 Education
School District’s $671 Million Budget Proposal Clears First Hurdle
A Cumberland County Board of Education committee approved the superintendent’s budget proposal, advancing a plan shaped by a growing deficit and the potential for layoffs if schools are not closed.
Posted inK-12 Education
Cumberland School Board Grapples with Building New E.E. Smith, Campus Closures
Board members question why three elementary schools are being built before a new high school, and whether school closings are unfairly impacting Black students.
Posted inHigher Education
‘It’s Bigger than Just Buildings’: Chancellor Reflects on 5 Years Leading Fayetteville State
Chancellor Darrell T. Allison said FSU’s growth has focused on expanding access, strengthening military partnerships, and increasing its role in Fayetteville.
Posted inK-12 Education
Lawmakers Question Cumberland School Leaders About Closings, Funding
State lawmakers and local elected officials questioned Cumberland County Board of Education members and district leaders about consolidation plans, funding gaps, and teacher retention on Friday at Douglas Byrd High School.
