Divided Cumberland School Board Votes to Close 2 Elementary Schools
After weeks of pleas from parents, educators, and Spring Lake leaders, the Cumberland County Board of Education voted Tuesday to close J.W. Coon and Manchester elementary schools.
Chronic Absenteeism Drops Nearly 5 Points in Cumberland County Schools
Chronic absenteeism in Cumberland County Schools has dropped to 27.4% midway through the 2025–26 school year, a nearly five-point decrease that translates to roughly 2,300 more students attending school more consistently.
School Board Accelerates Construction Schedule for New E.E. Smith High
The Cumberland County Board of Education voted Thursday to reject the district’s proposed consolidation and construction timeline before approving a revised version that moves up construction of a new E.E. Smith High School by two years.
Spring Lake Residents Rally to Save Manchester Elementary School
The Cumberland County school board voted to start the closure process for Manchester Elementary and two other campuses. Parents and residents are fighting back.
Cumberland County Schools Struggling with Chronically Absent Students
Three in ten students in Cumberland County Schools are chronically absent, a nagging problem that highlights one of the district’s biggest struggles.
‘This Recognition Felt Bigger Than Me’: Douglas Byrd Educator Named Regional Teacher of Year
Education was not Manzell Spencer Jr.’s first career, and for years he said he felt torn between making an impact and earning a livable wage. Choosing education, he said, meant choosing purpose.
Amid National Shifts in CTE Oversight, Cumberland County Schools Approves Nearly $400,000 in Technology Upgrades
As federal oversight of career and technical education shifts, the Cumberland County Board of Education has approved nearly $400,000 in new technology upgrades to support middle and high school Career and Technical Education programs.
More Cumberalnd County Schools Coverage
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.
Cumberland County Schools to host Choice Fair on Nov. 15
Cumberland County Schools will give families an up-close look at its specialized academic programs during the district’s annual Choice Fair.
New agreement allows off-duty officers to carry firearms on Cumberland County school campuses
Off-duty Fayetteville police officers are officially allowed to carry firearms on Cumberland County public school property, according to a memorandum of understanding approved by the Cumberland County Board of Education last week.
Column: ‘Educational excellence is about more than money. But solid funding is the only foundation that will get us there.’
With a school system that ranks near the bottom quarter in public financial support, Cumberland County has a steep hill to climb if it wants to be competitive and attract more economic development. So far, we’ve failed.