Cumberland County Board of Education Appoints New Superintendent
FAYETTEVILLE, NC – The Cumberland County Board of Education unanimously selected Dr. Eric C. Bracy as the next superintendent of Cumberland County Schools (CCS) during a special meeting held on Tuesday, May 27. Dr. Bracy, a seasoned North Carolina superintendent with a strong background in driving academic improvement, is set to begin his four-year term on July 1, 2025, or soon after.
Dr. Bracy brings over 25 years of experience in public education, most recently serving as superintendent of Johnston County Schools since 2020. There, he spearheaded significant academic growth and re-established financial stability. He is recognized as a hands-on instructional leader dedicated to student success, with a proven history of enhancing school performance, elevating instructional quality, and revitalizing underperforming districts.
The son of educators, Dr. Bracy began his career in 1997 as a fourth-grade teacher in Northampton County Schools. His leadership journey continued with roles as assistant principal and principal in Vance County Schools, followed by positions in Durham Public Schools as a principal and executive director of student support services. He returned to Northampton County Schools in 2008 as superintendent, where he oversaw substantial increases in state assessment results across all grade levels.
From 2014 to 2020, Dr. Bracy led Sampson County Schools, improving the district's performance from 66th to 15th highest in North Carolina. Sampson County also earned national recognition from the College Board for closing the achievement gap in Advanced Placement courses. His tenure in Johnston County Schools has been notably transformative, with the district climbing from 83rd to 35th in North Carolina for grade-level proficiency and being one of only six districts in the state to show improvement compared to pre-pandemic performance. In the most recent school year, 89% of Johnston's schools achieved performance grades of A, B, or C, and the number of low-performing schools significantly decreased.
Board Chairwoman Deanna Jones stated that Dr. Bracy stood out from a competitive pool of candidates due to his unwavering commitment to student achievement, consistent results across multiple districts, and ability to build strong relationships. She expressed confidence that he will elevate CCS to the next level.
Throughout his 17 years as a superintendent in North Carolina, Dr. Bracy has prioritized raising student achievement and ensuring instructional excellence. He also possesses a deep understanding of the needs of military-connected families. Beyond instructional leadership, Dr. Bracy has demonstrated strong fiscal management, eliminating a $10 million shortfall in Johnston County Schools and successfully leading two bond referendums totaling $297 million to support school facilities and growth.
Dr. Bracy's leadership has garnered significant recognition, including being named Durham Public Schools Principal of the Year in 2007, North Carolina Association of Educators Superintendent of the Year in 2017, and Central Carolina Regional Superintendent of the Year in 2024.
Dr. Bracy shared his excitement to serve as the next superintendent, stating he is honored to work with the Board, staff, families, and community partners to build on the district's progress. He and his family are eager to become active members of the CCS community.
Dr. Bracy holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from North Carolina Central University, a Master of Education degree from Virginia State University, and a Doctor of Education degree from Nova Southeastern University. He is married to Janelle, a teacher, and they have three daughters.
The Board's decision followed a comprehensive national search, guided by McPherson and Jacobson, LLC. The process included extensive stakeholder engagement, such as listening sessions and surveys, to identify the most desired qualities in the next superintendent, ultimately leading to Dr. Bracy's selection.
