Cumberland County Schools (CCS) continues to demonstrate strong fiscal leadership as the district’s Business Operations Department has earned the 2025–2026 Meritorious Budget Award from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) for the second consecutive year.
The national recognition honors CCS Business Operations for excellence in budget preparation and presentation, highlighting the department’s commitment to transparency, accountability and sound financial practices. The award is presented following a rigorous peer review by experienced school finance professionals who evaluate district budgets against nationally recognized standards.
This recognition builds on another key milestone for the department. CCS Business Operations received a clean, unmodified financial audit from an external auditor during the Dec. 2 Board Committee Meeting, confirming there were no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in internal controls or compliance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
Together, the consecutive Meritorious Budget Awards and clean audit results reflect the department’s consistent approach to responsible financial stewardship.
This is the first year of the Veteran Business Expo, and it grew out of Fayetteville PWC’s Economic Impact Program, which focuses on expanding access and opportunity in public-sector contracting while strengthening the local economy. It builds off th
Lynlene Apiary and Crafts is owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Carolyn Kleinert and Jolene Kleinert. They are certified apiarists and sell honey, candles made with beeswax, soaps and other crafts at local farmers markets. Photos by GFBJ.Lynle
Big T’s has been a local favorite of Hope Mills since 2000 when Timmy (Big T) and Donna Gray first opened right on Hope Mills Lake. It is a seasonal restaurant, so many of Big T’s loyal customers were happy to hear they would now be open year-round, seven days a week.
