Following the recommendation of Cumberland County Schools (CCS) Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr., the Cumberland County Board of Education approved three new principals and a principal transfer during their Board meeting held on June 11.
Darius Gillespie, who currently serves as an assistant principal at Montclair Elementary School, will be the new principal of Montclair Elementary School. Gillespie began working with CCS in 2014 as a social studies teacher at Anne Chesnutt Middle School. He received his Master of School Administration from Fayetteville State University in 2019. Gillespie has nearly 10 years of educational experience.
Dr. Taisha Monge, who currently serves as an K-5 Math Curriculum Specialist and Lead K-5 Specialist at CCS Central Services, will be the new principal at Loyd Auman Elementary School. Her career with CCS began in 2012 as an instructional coach, professional development presenter and administrative intern. She received her Doctorate in Education at Capella University in 2020. Monge also has experience in employee relations, organizational restructure and change, curriculum and assessment development and more. She has served in education for more than 18 years.
Kanisha Jones-Dunor, who currently serves as an assistant principal at Luther "Nick" Jeralds Middle School, will be the new principal of Warrenwood Elementary School. Jones-Dunor began working with CCS as a school counselor in 2005 at Luther "Nick" Jeralds Middle School. She received her Master of Education Administration in 2014 from Grand Canyon University. Her experience includes staff development and leadership, school improvement planning and more. She has served in education for nearly 23 years.
Tara Bratcher, who currently serves as the principal at Loyd Auman Elementary School, will transfer to Cumberland Virtual Academy K-5 as the school's new principal. Bratcher began working with CCS in 2005 as an elementary school teacher. She received her Master of School Administration Degree from Fayetteville State University in 2011. Bratcher also has experience in conflict resolution, recruiting, facilitating data analysis and more. She has served in education for nearly 29 years.
Brian and Staci Graybill opened their third business together, Market Square Pantry, in December 2025. Photo provided by Faith Hatton. For Fayetteville entrepreneurs Brian and Staci Graybill, building a business has often started when they were
The venue features two levels, two fully stocked bars, audio-video systems including projectors, and lighting solutions, an in-house culinary team, lounge space, a bistro section and private rooms, a state-of-the-art DJ booth and on-site staff to hel
Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo
