Community energy powers “Bracy on Board” kickoff and FACE Cruiser debut
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – On a bright September evening, the football field at South View High School came alive with the sounds of the drumline and cheerleaders as families, staff and community members gathered to launch Bracy on Board: A Listening and Learning Journey. A few days later, the celebration continued indoors at Pine Forest High School, where cheerleaders and the school band lined the entrance, welcoming guests into a buzzing gym filled with music, conversation and connection.
These events marked the start of Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy’s community listening tour and the debut of the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Cruiser—a repurposed school bus designed to take CCS resources directly into neighborhoods. Equipped with Wi-Fi, air conditioning and technology stations, the Cruiser will provide support ranging from homework help and kindergarten registration to Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) assistance and family workshops.
Since becoming superintendent in July, Dr. Bracy has been crisscrossing the county, visiting schools and meeting with students, families, employees and community members. The listening tour builds on this work, creating opportunities for authentic feedback to guide CCS’ next strategic plan. Families and community members at both events completed surveys, shared their ideas for the Cruiser’s future stops and participated in conversations about the district’s future.
“These events are about listening and learning,” said Dr. Bracy. “I want to hear your hopes and your ideas as we work to make Cumberland County Schools the very best school district in the nation. We are anchored in excellence, but to succeed, we need you—our families, staff and community partners.”
Along with the Cruiser, families enjoyed food, games and information tables featuring services like Child Nutrition, Pre-K enrollment, Cumberland Family Academy and Infinite Campus. Passports guided participants as they visited information tables and dropped by the Cruiser, where each stop offered a chance to have their passports stamped; completed cards were then entered into drawings for prizes generously donated by community partners.
“The FACE Cruiser will allow us to meet families where they are,” said Dr. Lindsay Whitley, associate superintendent for Communications and Community Engagement. “It’s about breaking down barriers, strengthening partnerships and ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed.”
For those who could not attend, Dr. Bracy is still listening. Share your feedback and help guide the district’s future by completing a short survey at bit.ly/ccsbracyonboard.
Snapshots from Bracy on Board Community Events:
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