More than a month after the Cumberland County Board of Education voted to close Manchester and J.W. Coon elementary schools, Cumberland County Schools has reassigned the principals who led both campuses as part of a broader administrative reshuffling ahead of the 2026-27 school year.
Superintendent Eric Bracy announced several principal and administrative transfers on Monday, including new assignments for the former leaders of both schools approved for closure in May under the district’s long-term facilities consolidation plan.
Ebony Johnson, who previously served as principal of Manchester Elementary School, will become principal of W.T. Brown Elementary School. Constance Thomas, who served as principal of J.W. Coon Elementary School, has been reassigned as advanced teacher roles coordinator within the district’s Academic Services division.
The closure of both schools drew significant community pushback earlier this year, with families arguing the closures disproportionately affected historically Black school communities. Manchester served as Spring Lake’s last remaining elementary school, while J.W. Coon families repeatedly raised concerns about equity during public hearings before the board approved the closures.
The district announced several additional leadership changes as part of the latest administrative reshuffle.
Ayanna Richard, previously executive director for Exceptional Children’s Services, will become principal of A.B. Wilkins High School.
Brooke Griffie, formerly principal at Beaver Dam Elementary School, will serve as principal of Mac Williams Middle School.
Shanessa Fenner, previously principal at W.T. Brown Elementary School, will become principal at Walker-Spivey Elementary School.
Rachael Robinson, who served as principal at Walker-Spivey Elementary School, will transition into a new role as assessment consultant for Data and Accountability.
Brenda Ware-McAllister, formerly principal at College Lakes Elementary School, will serve as Title IX coordinator for Human Resources.
“These administrative transfers reflect our continued focus on aligning experienced leaders with the needs of our schools and departments,” Bracy said in a prepared statement. “Each of these leaders brings valuable experience to their new assignments, and we look forward to their continued service in support of students, staff, families and the community.”
The latest announcements follow separate personnel actions approved during the Cumberland County Board of Education’s June 9 meeting. Board members voted 7-1 to approve administrative recommendations presented in closed session.
Voting in favor were Jacquelyn Brown, Deanna Jones, Greg West, Mary Hales, Terra Jordan, Dolores Bell and Jackie Warner. Board member Susan Williams cast the lone dissenting vote.
The board approved Estella Johnson as principal of Cumberland Academy K-5 Virtual School and Emily Richards as principal of Long Hill Elementary School. Board members also approved Brandon Powell as assistant principal at Douglas Byrd High School and Sha-Necia Head as assistant principal at Max Abbott Middle School.
Additional central office appointments included Pamela Stevenson as social work coordinator within Student Services, and Laneshia Lamb-Boone as curriculum specialist for grades 6-12 within Academic Services.
Unlike those June 9 personnel appointments, district officials said the administrative transfers announced this week didn’t require school board approval.
