Good morning. When Eric Bracy has a job to do, he doesn’t miss a beat.
On June 30, he was superintendent of schools in Johnston County. By July 1, he had already moved into his office in Fayetteville as Cumberland County Schools’ newest leader, writes Teri Saylor. And on Aug. 5, Bracy will be sworn into the role in a ceremony and reception at the Dr. William “Bill” Harrison Educational Resource Center.
In Cumberland County, the schools were already on an upward trajectory before former superintendent Marvin Connelly Jr. retired earlier this year. Bracy aims to keep that momentum going. More in today’s lead story from our August magazine’s “Back to School Issue”, now available digitally.
Welcome to CityView Today. In today’s newsletter: Senior Columnist Bill Kirby Jr. shares his opinion and the developments on the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners‘ vote to extend board member terms from two-year to four-year staggered periods. Some community members are gathering signatures for a petition with the hopes of getting a referendum on the ballot this fall — former and current elected officials say that looks unlikely. Plus, I introduce you to the rest of this month’s CityView Magazine, which hopes to set a positive tone for the 2025-2026 school year. In addition to meeting Bracy, we highlight a local nonprofit’s book sales that benefit the county’s public library system, private and public school student media publications, and more.
Thanks for reading,
Valeria Cloës
Magazine Editor & Lead Copy Editor
Meet Cumberland County Schools’ new superintendent
Eric Bracy is a proven leader who has set his sights on growing the number of high-performing schools and enhancing student success. He started his new role on July 1 and will be sworn in Aug. 5.
More from CityView
THE KIRBY FILE: Looks like ‘que sera, sera’ as Hope Mills petition efforts stall to place 4-year staggered term on November ballot
“Democracy works when people go to the polls and vote,” former Hope Mills commissioner says in an email to the Cumberland County legislative delegation in Raleigh.
CityView’s August “Back to School” magazine sets a positive tone for the 2025-2026 school year
Our August magazine highlights Cumberland County’s new superintendent, local book sales and high school student publications.
Events
FARMERS MARKET
- Where: James Creek Cider House, 172 U.S.-1, Cameron
- When: 1-5 p.m. today
- What: Join us for the James Creek Farmers Market on the first and third Sundays of each month!
CAT VIDEO FEST 2025
- Where: Cameo Art House Theatre, 225 Hay St., Fayetteville
- When: 1:30 p.m. today
- What: Cat Video Fest is back, and it’s the purr-fect way to spend your Sunday afternoon. This internationally beloved festival brings the internet’s finest feline content to the big screen: a curated compilation of hilarious, heartwarming and downright adorable cat videos sourced from submissions, animations, music videos and viral classics.
FAYETTEVILLE WOODPECKERS VS HICKORY CRAWDADS
- Where: Segra Stadium, 460 Hay St., Fayetteville
- When: 5 p.m. today
- What: Watch the Fayetteville Woodpeckers face off against the Hickory Crawdads!
Obituaries
Derrick Lynn Bledsole
Derrick Lynn Bledsole, 56, passed away on Friday, July 25.
Daniel Norman McLaughlin
Daniel Norman McLaughlin, 66, of Rowland, passed away on Monday, July 28.
Sue Ellen Kiehart
Sue Ellen Kiehart, 44, of Fayetteville, passed away on Sunday, July 27.
Until tomorrow!
👤 Cumberland County Board of Commissioners’ Glenn Adams was named chair of the Board of Trustees of Fayetteville State University, according to a county government press release Thursday. Glenn, the immediate past vice chair, will be serving as a trustee until 2027. For more information, click here.
~ Valeria
