Fayetteville, N.C. – Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr., superintendent of Cumberland County Schools, has received the Sandhills Regional Education Consortium's Superintendent of the Year award for his exceptional leadership. This prestigious recognition is presented annually to a superintendent who exemplifies outstanding leadership qualities within the 13-member districts of the Sandhills Region.

The award was presented by Dr. Ron Hargrave, executive director of the Sandhills Regional Education Consortium, at the regular monthly Cumberland County Board of Education meeting on June 13. According to Hargrave, Dr. Connelly's dedicated leadership and significant contributions, not only to Cumberland County but also to the member districts of the Sandhills Region, have earned him this esteemed recognition. 

As the recipient of this award, Dr. Connelly will advance to compete for the State Superintendent of the Year title, which will be presented during the North Carolina School Boards Association's Conference (NCSBA) in the fall of 2023. Success at the state level would propel him to represent North Carolina in the National Superintendent of the Year competition at the American Association of School Superintendents' (AASA) Conference in the spring of 2024.

During his more than 30 years of service in public school systems across North Carolina, Dr. Connelly has worked in various roles, including special education teacher, principal, assistant superintendent and chief of staff, before assuming the position of superintendent of Cumberland County Schools in 2018. His visionary leadership has propelled the district forward, as evidenced by the establishment of a comprehensive five-year strategic plan, developed after conducting a community tour and gathering input from stakeholders.

Under Dr. Connelly's leadership, the district has made remarkable progress toward its strategic goals, focusing on key priorities such as Successful Students, Premier Professionals, Exceptional Environment and Committed Community. Additionally, the district has received numerous state and national accolades, including top honors in equity work, military-friendly practices, communications and community engagement initiatives, and employee satisfaction.

Dr. Connelly expressed his gratitude and humility upon receiving the award, acknowledging the collective efforts of educators and staff across the school system. “I am deeply humbled and honored to be recognized as the Sandhills Regional Superintendent of the Year,” he said. “This prestigious accolade is not solely a reflection of my individual efforts, but it is also a testament to the remarkable work of our entire school system. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to every person who has played a role in our success. Together, we are rising and preparing lifelong learners to reach their maximum potential.”