Marvin Connelly Jr., superintendent of Cumberland County Schools, has received the Sandhills Regional Education Consortium's Superintendent of the Year award, according to a news release.
The recognition is presented annually to a superintendent deemed to exemplify outstanding leadership qualities within the 13 districts of the Sandhills region, the release said.
Ron Hargrave, executive director of the consortium, presented the award at a meeting of the Cumberland County Board of Education on June 13.
During his more than 30 years of service in public school systems across North Carolina, Connelly has worked in various roles, including special education teacher, principal, assistant superintendent and chief of staff, before becoming superintendent in Cumberland County in 2018.
Under his leadership, the district established a comprehensive five-year strategic plan, which was developed after gathering community input, the release said.
Under Connelly, the district has received numerous state and national accolades, including top honors in equity work, military-friendly practices, communications and community engagement initiatives, and employee satisfaction, the release said.
Connelly expressed his gratitude for the award, acknowledging the work of educators and staff members across the school system.
“I am deeply humbled and honored to be recognized as the Sandhills Regional Superintendent of the Year,” he said. “This prestigious accolade is not solely a reflection of my individual efforts, but it is also a testament to the remarkable work of our entire school system. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to every person who has played a role in our success. Together, we are rising and preparing lifelong learners to reach their maximum potential.”
Connelly will advance to compete for the State Superintendent of the Year title, which will be presented during the North Carolina School Boards Association conference in the fall, the release said.
