The latest back to school news for Fayetteville

Back To School: Fay News 10 Team Coverage

Cumberland County| State| Local Government| Traffic

August 25, 2025•2 min read

Students across Cumberland County officially returned to the classroom today, kicking off the new school year with a mix of excitement, new policies, and enhanced safety measures. The district's guiding principle for the year is "Anchored in Excellence," a motto that will shape everything from classroom instruction to security protocols.

Fay News 10 spoke with Cumberland County Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy, who highlighted the importance of a productive learning environment. A key part of that vision is the new cell phone policy. Under Policy 4318, students can no longer use, display, or turn on personal electronic devices during class time without a teacher's explicit permission. This change is designed to minimize distractions and help students focus on their studies.

Safety is a top priority for the district this year, with several new measures in place to protect students and staff. Schools will continue to use OPENGATE weapons detection systems at all entrances. These portable scanners will be used to screen students as they arrive in the morning and will then be moved to the main entrance to check visitors throughout the school day.

A new visitor check-in system, called Raptor VisitorSafe, is also being implemented. Anyone entering a school will be required to present a government-issued ID. The ID is then scanned and checked against various databases to ensure a secure and efficient check-in process.

Beyond the physical security systems, the district is also promoting a collaborative approach to safety. Students are encouraged to use the "Say Something" Anonymous Reporting System, a platform that allows them to report any safety concerns through an app, website, or hotline. Additionally, dedicated School Resource Officers from the Fayetteville Police Department, the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, and the Town of Hope Mills will be on many campuses to help keep everyone safe.

The start of the school year isn't just about what happens inside the schools; it's also a reflection of the strong community support. Local organizations played a huge role in getting students ready for the new year. Events like the one held at the Crown Complex this past Saturday, hosted by the L3 Brand Community Alliance, provided students with much-needed school supplies and a fun atmosphere to get them excited about heading back to class.

As students and teachers begin this new chapter, the district and community are united in their goal to provide a safe and successful school year for everyone.

Lake Wood

Driven by a profound connection to his native Cumberland County, Lake Wood serves as the News Director and lead Investigative Reporter for Fay News 10. Lake embarked on his journey in television news in 2016 and has since delivered impactful coverage of significant events, from the destructive force of Hurricane Florence to the powerful voices of the 2020 protests and riots. He has also been on the ground for several presidential visits and consistently highlights the dedication of the brave men and women of Fort Bragg. A particularly memorable assignment saw him embedded with the National Guard, documenting their vital helicopter missions to assist isolated communities in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Whether navigating complex court cases or seeking solutions for consumers, Lake is committed to providing insightful and meaningful journalism for the community he calls home.

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