Good morning. For nearly 30 years, Cumberland County Schools has relied on long-standing international exchange partnerships to bring experienced educators into local classrooms.
The district does not sponsor teachers on H-1B visas—a federal program used to hire foreign professionals for long-term employment in specialty fields, which has come under increased scrutiny from the Trump administration. Instead, Cumberland County Schools relies on the shorter-term J-1 visa program.
School officials say the J-1 program is better suited to the district’s needs and focus on global education, as opposed to the H-1B visa program, which is often used to fill critical teacher shortages, particularly in rural areas. Read more in today’s top story.
Welcome to CityView Today. North Carolina law prohibits anyone from serving in two elected positions—so how can the Lumbee Tribal chairman also serve in the N.C. House? This question came up 25 years ago for the tribe’s first chairperson; read more from our partners at the Border Belt Independent below. Plus, it’s officially Christmastime in Fayetteville. This year marks the Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s 34th annual production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! Jason Canady reviewed the holiday show, dubbing it a “hilarious, heartfelt rollercoaster.”
Thanks for reading,
Maydha Devarajan
Editor-in-Chief
Cumberland County Schools Brings International Teachers Into the Classroom Through Visa Exchange Program
Inside Cumberland County Schools’ J-1 teacher exchange program—and why the district doesn’t sponsor H-1B visas.
More from CityView
How Can the Lumbee Tribal Chairman Also Serve in the N.C. House?
Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery filed to run for the N.C. House seat he was appointed to fill in October.
Review: This Year’s ‘Best Christmas Pageant Ever!’ Will Leave You With Happy Tears
Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! is back and it’s better than ever.
Events
TAI CHI IN THE GARDEN
- Where: Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville
- When: 10-11:30 a.m. today
- What: A Chinese martial art and system of calisthenics with very slow controlled movements taught by Rich Martin.
ART EXHIBIT: FRAMING FORM
- Where: Arts Council Galleries at Campbell House, 482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines
- When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today
- What: This show will feature photos by members of the Sandhills Photography Club and pottery by Beth E. Roy.
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK
- Where: Arnette Park, 2165 Wilmington Highway, Fayetteville
- When: 6-9 p.m. today
- What: Remain comfortably in your vehicle and drive through the park while taking in the sights and sounds of the Christmas season.
Obituaries
Henry Lee Stallworth Jr.
Henry Lee Stallworth, 87, passed away on Sunday, November 30.
Michael Brown
Michael Brown, 70, passed away on Saturday, October 18.
Barbara Gurganious Schultz
Barbara Gurganious Schultz, 85, of Linden, passed away on Sunday, November 30.
Until tomorrow!
🪖 The U.S. Army, which is restructuring its ROTC programs, is considering relocating Duke University’s ROTC program to UNC-Chapel Hill. Rep. Valerie Foushee, a North Carolina congresswoman representing District 4, has urged the Army to reevaluate that plan, according to WRAL.
~ Maydha
