A New Chapter Begins:
Cumberland County Board of Education
Announces New Superintendent
Dr. Eric C. Bracy, a veteran North Carolina superintendent with a proven record of driving academic gains, selected to lead CCS
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – During a special meeting on Tuesday, May 27, the Cumberland County Board of Education unanimously appointed Dr. Eric C. Bracy as the next superintendent of Cumberland County Schools (CCS).
A veteran North Carolina superintendent with more than 25 years of experience in public education, Dr. Bracy currently serves as superintendent of Johnston County Schools, where he has led a period of strong academic growth and restored financial stability since 2020. Known as a hands-on instructional leader with a laser focus on student outcomes, Dr. Bracy brings to Cumberland County Schools a track record of success—improving school performance, advancing instructional quality and turning around underperforming districts.
Dr. Bracy’s passion for education runs deep. The son of educators, he was raised in Weldon and Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, and began his career in 1997 as a fourth-grade teacher in Northampton County Schools. He went on to serve as an assistant principal and principal in Vance County Schools and later held leadership roles in Durham Public Schools as a principal and as executive director of student support services. In 2008, Dr. Bracy returned to Northampton County Schools to serve as superintendent, where he oversaw significant increases in end-of-year state assessment results at all grade levels.
From 2014 to 2020, Dr. Bracy served as superintendent of Sampson County Schools, where he led the district from the 66th to the 15th highest performing school system in North Carolina. Sampson County also earned national recognition from the College Board for closing the achievement gap in Advanced Placement courses—one of only five districts in the state to achieve that honor.
Most recently, in Johnston County Schools, Dr. Bracy’s leadership has been transformative. The district rose from 83rd to 35th in North Carolina in grade-level proficiency and is 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 48 schools earned school performance grades of A, B or C. The number of low-performing schools decreased from 14 to just one. Student achievement improved across the district, with 33 schools exceeding academic growth expectations and 30 ranking in the top 20% statewide for academic growth.
“From the outset of our search process, Dr. Bracy stood out from a deep and talented pool of candidates as the right leader at the right time for Cumberland County Schools,” said Board Chairwoman Deanna Jones. “His unwavering commitment to student achievement, consistent track record of results across multiple districts and ability to build meaningful relationships reflect the type of strong, student-centered leadership our community values. We are proud to welcome him and confident that he will help take CCS to the next level.”
Throughout his 17 years as a North Carolina superintendent, Dr. Bracy has remained committed to two core priorities: raising the bar for student achievement and ensuring instructional excellence in every classroom. He also brings a strong understanding of the unique needs of military-connected families, having worked with many families stationed near Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. In addition to his instructional leadership, Dr. Bracy has demonstrated sound fiscal management, eliminating a $10 million shortfall in Johnston County Schools and earning the trust and respect of the county’s Board of Commissioners through responsible budgeting.
Dr. Bracy also worked closely with the Johnston County Board of Education to develop the district’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, a comprehensive blueprint focused on academic excellence, staff development, workplace morale and community collaboration. Additionally, he partnered with the Johnston County Board of Education and Board of Commissioners to lead two successful bond referendums—$177 million in 2022 and $120 million in 2024—to support school facility needs and long-term growth.
His leadership and impact have been recognized at the local, state and regional levels. Dr. Bracy was 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.
“I am deeply honored to serve as the next superintendent of Cumberland County Schools,” Dr. Bracy said. “This district has made tremendous progress, and I am excited to work alongside the Board, staff, families and community partners to build on that momentum. My family and I are thrilled to begin this next chapter and look forward to becoming an engaged and visible part of the CCS community. I’m ready to get to work and help move the district to even greater heights.”
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 will begin his four-year term on July 1, 2025, or shortly thereafter, depending on his release from Johnston County Schools. Dr. Bracy is married to Janelle, a teacher, and together they have three daughters. He and his family are excited as he continues his leadership journey with Cumberland County Schools.
The Board’s decision follows a comprehensive and inclusive national search process. Following Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly Jr.’s retirement announcement in December 2024, the Board committed to a thoughtful leadership transition. In January 2025, members selected McPherson and Jacobson, LLC, a nationally respected executive search firm, to guide the process.
Working on behalf of the Board, the firm led a robust stakeholder engagement effort, including in-person listening sessions, meetings with internal and external groups and a districtwide survey to identify the qualities most desired in the next superintendent.
The result was a highly competitive pool of applicants and, ultimately, the selection of Dr. Bracy—a reflection of the community’s voice and desire for a dynamic instructional leader with a proven history of improving outcomes, building trust and leading with purpose.
Dr. Eric C. Bracy
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