Welcome to CityView Today! Everything has a price, right? Even declining enrollment in the Cumberland County school district. The fifth-largest district in North Carolina slimmed down by 1,242 students this school year. It’s a drop that’s putting pressure on the district’s budget. Why? While a drop in students means less staff is needed, it also means empty desks in school buildings that still cost money to operate.
In today’s newsletter: Our education reporter, Dasia Williams, takes a look at how the drop in enrollment is impacting school system finances. She also highlights a budget shift from the district that’s allocating $1 million for schools to address maintenance items. And, we take a look at the latest move in a nearly decade-long legal drama between homeowners and the city of Fayetteville.
Thanks for reading,
Matt Hennie
Editor-in-Chief
Declining Enrollment Feeds $5M Deficit for Cumberland County Schools
Cumberland County Schools is facing a recurring budget gap of about $5 million, largely because it is operating more school buildings than it needs for a shrinking student population.
More from CityView
Fayetteville HOAs Appeal Judge’s Decision to Halt Dam Dispute Trial
Four Fayetteville homeowners associations are asking an appeals court to revive their lawsuit against the city, arguing that a judge improperly ended the case.
Cumberland County Schools to Share $1 Million for Campus Improvements
The Cumberland County Board of Education approved more than $1.29 million in budget changes on Thursday, including allocating $1 million for school capital projects.
Events
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME
- Where: Vass Area Library, 128 Seaboard St., Vass
- When: 10-11 a.m. today
- What: Join us for a story time for preschoolers every Thursday!
LIVE MUSIC AT BHAWK
- Where: BHAWK Distillery, 175 Yadkin Road, Southern Pines
- When: 4:30-7:30 p.m. today
- What: Join us for live music at BHAWK Distillery!
SUN CATCHER WIND CHIMES WORKSHOP
- Where: Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville
- When: 6-7:30 p.m. today
- What: Create your own unique sun catcher wind chime, combining vibrant, light-catching materials with gentle, melodic elements that dance in the breeze.
Obituaries
Alice Beverly
Alice Beverly passed away on Monday, January 26.
Kenneth Lee Utley
Kenneth Lee Utley, 69, passed away on Sunday, January 25.
Kaylani Marie Priest
Kaylani Marie Priest passed away on Thursday, January 8.
Until tomorrow!
🚌 As Cumberland County Schools develops its 2026–2031 strategic plan, the district is inviting families with students to a series of focus groups. The final two sessions are February 4 at South View High School and February 5 at Cape Fear High School. More details about registering in advance.
