Why Bradley Williams Is Running for Cumberland County Board of Education

When Bradley Williams left Cumberland County to study performing arts in Los Angeles, he envisioned building a career on the West Coast. But after returning home, the 37-year-old said he began asking himself a different question: Why should young people feel they have to leave Fayetteville to pursue their dreams?

That question ultimately inspired his campaign for one of three at-large seats on the Cumberland County Board of Education.

A Godwin native and 2007 graduate of Reid Ross Classical School, Williams studied business and computer information systems at North Carolina Central University before graduating from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles.

He said those experiences reinforced his belief that Cumberland County students should graduate with the knowledge, resources, and opportunities to build successful lives without feeling they have to leave home. His campaign centers on expanding career pathways, financial literacy, and student support while investing in teachers and school staff.

What are the top two issues the Board of Education should focus on over the next four years? How would you approach them?

My biggest priority is making sure every student has the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to succeed after graduation—not just academically, but in life.

I believe financial literacy should become a much greater focus. Every student should graduate understanding how to file taxes, manage money, buy a home, understand interest rates, and explore investments. Those are life skills that too many students, including my generation, weren’t taught in school.

I also want students to have multiple pathways to success. College isn’t the right choice for everyone. Some students may want to attend Fayetteville Technical Community College, enter the trades, join the military, or pursue another career path. Our job is to make sure they understand those opportunities and have the support to achieve whatever dream they choose.

The world is changing quickly, especially with technology and artificial intelligence. Schools have to prepare students for the future, not just for today’s workforce. That means embracing technology, teaching skills that will still matter years from now, and giving students opportunities to explore careers before they graduate.

I also believe every student should have someone at school they can trust—a mentor or support system they can talk to when life gets difficult. Education isn’t just about test scores. It’s about investing in students’ dreams, giving them hope, and making sure they know their community believes in them.

My second priority is supporting teachers and school employees. I’ve talked with teachers who feel overworked and underpaid, and teaching is one of the hardest professions there is, and I don’t think teachers receive the respect, support, or appreciation they deserve.

Cumberland County Schools has faced difficult decisions involving school closures, facility maintenance, and consolidation. What principles would guide your decision-making when evaluating future facility needs?

A child is not a number, and a school is more than just a building. Before making any decision about closing a school, I believe board members should gather as much information as possible, listen to parents, teachers and principals, and fully understand how that decision will affect the community.

I’ve seen examples where other districts chose to renovate schools instead of closing them, and I think every option deserves careful consideration before communities are disrupted.

I also believe communication matters. Families deserve to know their concerns are being heard, especially when decisions could affect where their children learn, the relationships they’ve built with teachers and classmates, and the identity of their community.

If elected, I would commit to reviewing all available information, asking questions, and making sure people know their voices matter before any final decision is made.

How can Cumberland County Schools best support students with disabilities and ensure families have confidence in the district’s special education services?

The first step is listening. Parents and teachers need to feel like they’re being heard when they’re advocating for students with disabilities. Before making decisions, I think the district should communicate with families and educators to understand what classrooms need and where additional support is missing.

I also believe technology can play an important role in supporting students with disabilities, but we also have to recognize that sometimes one teacher can’t do it all. Providing additional classroom support and giving students the extra attention they need can make a real difference.

Creating an environment where students feel accepted and supported is equally important. Every child deserves to feel safe, included and valued at school.

I’ll also be honest and say there are aspects of special education that I still want to learn more about. If I’m elected, I’m going to continue listening and educating myself because I want to make informed decisions that truly help these students and their families.

Student enrollment has declined in recent years. What role, if any, do you believe the Board of Education should play in attracting and retaining students and families in Cumberland County Schools?

Families want to know their children are receiving a quality education. If Cumberland County Schools wants to attract and retain students, we have to build confidence that every child can succeed here.

Parents move to certain communities because of their schools. If they believe another district offers better opportunities, they’re going to make sacrifices to send their children there. That’s why improving student outcomes has to be a priority.

I also think we should be looking at districts that are performing well and asking what they’re doing differently. We’re all part of the same state, so if another district has found strategies that work, we should be willing to learn from them.

Board members also need to be visible in the community. Leadership shouldn’t happen only in the boardroom. We need to attend school events, talk with parents and teachers, and hear directly from the people we’re serving. That’s how you build trust and understand what families actually need.

What steps can the Board of Education take to recruit, support, and retain high-quality teachers and staff?

It starts with competitive pay. Teachers deserve salaries that reflect the importance of the work they do and keep pace with the cost of living.

Beyond compensation, teachers need to know their voices matter. If they’re raising concerns, they should see action instead of feeling like they’re talking into the wind. When educators feel heard and supported, they’re more likely to stay.

I also believe the district should create more opportunities for professional growth. If a teacher wants to become an assistant principal, principal or district leader, there should be mentorship and support to help them reach that goal. We shouldn’t make people feel like they’ve reached a ceiling in their careers.

Ultimately, investing in teachers is an investment in students. When teachers have the resources, respect and opportunities they deserve, they’re able to create stronger classrooms, and that benefits every child.

What are your views on year-round schools? What factors would you consider when making decisions about expanding or maintaining year-round calendars?

I support maintaining year-round schools because I believe families should have options. Every family’s schedule and needs are different, and I don’t think we should take those choices away.

As someone who attended a year-round school, I saw the benefits firsthand. Having shorter breaks throughout the year gave me opportunities to travel with my family, reset between grading periods, and come back ready to learn. I know other families appreciate that flexibility for vacations, work schedules, or simply because they feel their children retain information better with shorter breaks.

I also think year-round schools can benefit teachers by giving them time throughout the year to recharge. Teaching is demanding, and those breaks can make a difference.

When making decisions about expanding or maintaining year-round calendars, I would want to hear directly from parents, teachers, and students before making any changes. I don’t believe those options should be taken away without meaningful community input. Instead, we should focus on improving our schools and attracting more families to Cumberland County Schools so those campuses can continue serving students successfully.

Cumberland County Schools currently has several schools identified by the state as low-performing. What role should the Board of Education play in improving student outcomes at those schools? What strategies would you prioritize?

I don’t believe improving schools is simply about raising test scores. It’s about making sure we’re investing in students, giving them the tools they need to succeed and preparing them for life after graduation.

That starts with supporting teachers. We should continue investing in professional development, workshops, and training so educators have the resources to adapt as technology, careers, and the world around us continue to change. I also believe we should look at whether our curriculum is preparing students for the future instead of only focusing on what worked years ago.

Mentorship is another area I would prioritize. Every student should have someone who believes in them and helps connect what they’re learning in the classroom to the goals they have for their future. Education doesn’t stop when the school day ends, so I also think we should explore additional community partnerships, workshops, and learning opportunities outside the classroom that help students continue growing.

Ultimately, improving low-performing schools will require the entire community working together. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. I believe the Board of Education should help bring together educators, families, and community partners to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.