Why Demetrius Stocks Is Running for Cumberland County Board of Education

Cumberland County Schools has followed Demetrius Stocks through several chapters of his life—from his years as a student at Cape Fear High School to his time working for the district and, now, his experience as a foster parent.

The Fayetteville native graduated from Cape Fear High School in 2010 before returning to the school system that helped shape him. Stocks previously worked for Cumberland County Schools as a data manager and school bus driver, giving him firsthand experience with the district from multiple perspectives.

Today, Stocks works as an operations manager, where he leads teams, manages daily operations, and focuses on accountability, performance, and employee development. His connection to the district has also become personal through foster parenting, an experience he said has deepened his appreciation for the support, resources, and opportunities students and families need to succeed.

Now seeking one of three at-large seats on the Cumberland County Board of Education, Stocks said he wants to use those experiences to help strengthen the school system that educated him and ensure students have opportunities to thrive.

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

Every child in Cumberland County deserves the opportunity to succeed. While our district has made progress in graduation rates, career and technical education, and student achievement, we must continue closing learning gaps and ensuring every student is prepared for college, the military, a career, or skilled trades. As a board member, I will use student performance data to support evidence-based decisions, strengthen literacy and math instruction, expand intervention programs, and ensure resources reach the classrooms where they are needed most.

Great schools begin with great educators. Recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers must remain a priority by creating a supportive work environment, investing in professional development, reducing unnecessary administrative burdens, and ensuring educators have the tools they need to help students succeed. By working together with families, teachers, school leaders, and the community, we can build stronger schools and brighter futures for every student in Cumberland County.

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?

Decisions about school closures, consolidation, and facility improvements should always put students first. I would rely on enrollment trends, building conditions, safety, transportation, and long-term financial planning while ensuring the process is transparent and informed by community input.

Schools are the heart of our communities, and families, educators, and staff deserve a voice before major decisions are made. My experience has taught me the importance of strategic planning and responsible stewardship, and I will work to ensure Cumberland County Schools provide safe, effective learning environments while being accountable to taxpayers.

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

Every student deserves access to a high-quality education, including students with disabilities. Cumberland County Schools should continue strengthening individualized support through effective Individual Education Plans, open communication with families, and ensuring educators have the training and resources needed to help every student succeed.

I also believe accountability and inclusion are essential. By regularly reviewing student outcomes, listening to families, and providing equitable opportunities, we can build greater trust and ensure every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

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?

Student enrollment reflects the confidence families have in Cumberland County Schools. The best way to attract and retain students is by providing safe schools, strong academic achievement, expanded career and technical education, and extracurricular opportunities that prepare students for success after graduation.

Building trust with families is equally important. As a board member, I will support transparent communication, community engagement, and data-driven decisions that strengthen our schools so families are proud to choose Cumberland County Schools.

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

Great schools are built by great educators. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining high-quality teachers and staff must remain a top priority for Cumberland County Schools. We must continue strengthening partnerships with educator preparation programs, supporting competitive compensation and benefits, and providing professional development and resources that help employees succeed.

Just as important is creating a culture where teachers and staff feel valued, respected, and heard. My experience has taught me that the best solutions come from listening to the people closest to the work. By supporting our educators, we invest directly in student success and the future of Cumberland County.

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

Decisions about year-round schools should be focused on what best supports student success while considering the needs of families, educators, and the community. A balanced calendar may provide opportunities for additional academic support, tutoring, and reduced learning loss, but decisions should be based on research, student outcomes, and community feedback.

If Cumberland County Schools considers discontinuation or maintaining year-round calendars, the board should carefully evaluate academic results, family needs, childcare and transportation impacts, and financial considerations. The goal should always be creating learning environments that help every student succeed.

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?

Improving outcomes at low-performing schools must be a top priority for the Cumberland County Board of Education. Every student deserves access to a high-quality education, and a school designation should never determine a child’s future.

The board’s role is to provide strong governance, accountability, and support by ensuring district leaders have clear improvement plans, measurable goals, and the resources needed for success. This includes using data to identify challenges, strengthening literacy and math support, investing in teachers and school leaders, and building stronger partnerships with families and the community.

I understand that meaningful improvement requires accountability, consistent follow-through, and continuous evaluation. My focus will be supporting schools with the tools they need while ensuring every Cumberland County student has the opportunity to succeed.