Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr. Announces Retirement, Marking a Legacy of Excellence in
Cumberland County Schools
Superintendent reflects on six years of transformative leadership and
district-wide achievements.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Cumberland County Schools (CCS) Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr. announced his retirement this evening during the Board of Education meeting, marking the culmination of 34 years of distinguished service in public education. Dr. Connelly, who has served as the superintendent of CCS since 2018, will officially retire on July 1, 2025.
Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Connelly expressed his deep appreciation for the opportunity to lead CCS through transformative change.
“I am profoundly grateful to this Board of Education, to our incredible staff, to our students and families, and to this entire community for the unwavering support and partnership that have made this journey so meaningful,” said Dr. Connelly. “When I began this role in 2018, we laid out an ambitious vision—The Cumberland Commitment: Strategic Plan—to transform our schools and create opportunities for every student to succeed. Together, we’ve brought that vision to life—raising graduation rates, reducing low-performing schools, achieving equity in technology access, and strengthening family and community partnerships. The work we’ve done has been nothing short of extraordinary.”
In 2019, shortly after stepping into his role as superintendent, Dr. Connelly worked with the Board of Education and stakeholders to develop The Cumberland Commitment: Strategic Plan. This community-driven strategic plan set a bold vision to guide the district’s growth in four priority areas: Successful Students, Premier Professionals, Exceptional Environment, and Committed Community.
The adoption of this plan positioned CCS for measurable success, including the following key achievements:
Successful Students
- District composite scores increased by 38.3% since the pandemic.
- The percentage of schools meeting or exceeding growth rose from 63.2% in 2018 to 84.1% in 2024.
- The number of low-performing schools dropped from 23 in 2018 to 15 in 2024, with 17 schools removed from the state’s Low-Performing List during the 2023-2024 school year.
- CCS achieved a 1:1 technology ratio, improving from two students per device in 2018.
- Graduation rates increased from 83.8% in 2018 to 86.6% in 2023, the highest in the district’s history.
Premier Professionals
- The percentage of teachers meeting or exceeding growth increased from 85.0% in 2018 to 91.8% in 2024.
- Fifty-nine principals were appointed, and 45 central office administrators were hired or promoted, supported by a robust leadership pipeline to ensure stability and continuous growth.
Exceptional Environment
- Student suspensions dropped from 7,954 in 2018 to 5,629 in 2024, demonstrating the district’s commitment to restorative practices.
- Central Services were reorganized to align resources with strategic priorities, improving outcomes for students and staff.
Committed Community
- Family engagement event participation grew from 67,264 in 2019 to 105,031 in 2024.
- Community partnerships expanded from 140 in 2019 to 1,181 in 2024.
- Parent users in the Student Information System increased from 28,877 in 2019 to 51,377 in 2024.
Dr. Connelly’s career is defined by a commitment to equity, innovation and excellence. Before joining CCS, he held leadership roles in the Wake County Public School System, serving as Chief of Staff and Assistant Superintendent for Student Services. He began his career as a special education teacher assistant and worked as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal at both the middle and high school levels.
A proud veteran, Dr. Connelly served in the U.S. Army, including time with the 82nd Airborne Division. His military service shaped his focus on leadership, discipline and service.
Dr. Connelly holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from North Carolina State University, two master’s degrees, and a doctorate in educational leadership from East Carolina University.
Under Dr. Connelly’s leadership, CCS earned numerous accolades, including:
- National Magna Awards for equity efforts (2021 and 2022)
- North Carolina State Superintendent’s Purple Star District Awards (2021–2024) for military-friendly practices
-
Forbes Best-in-State Employer recognition (2021 and 2024)
- The 2024 A. Craig Phillips North Carolina Superintendent of the Year award.
Dr. Connelly also served as the first National Superintendent Chair for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, further highlighting his commitment to education and community service.
As he prepares to transition into retirement, Dr. Connelly remains optimistic about CCS’ future.
“This decision is not one I’ve made lightly, but I feel within myself that it’s time to step into the next chapter of my life,” he said. “My wife, Joyce, our children, and especially our 11 grandchildren have been a constant source of joy and inspiration, and they deserve more of my time. My church family, who has supported me so faithfully throughout this journey, also needs me in a greater capacity. We’ve built a strong foundation, and CCS is well-positioned to continue moving forward.”
|
