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.
The KRAKEN-SKULLS brand includes a barbershop, a tattoo shop, a T-shirt company, an embroidery company, a website design company, a media marketing and graphic design company and an auto shop. Photos by GFBJ.When Chad Kraken retired from the military
Fred Surgeon, with the support of his wife Anita, owns and operates Surgeon &Associates, Inc, a family of businesses with everything from agritourism, pestcontrol, cleaning services and behavioral health services. Photos provided by Fred Surgeon.
Agents and leadership from Coldwell Banker Advantage and Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage gathered to celebrate one of their own as she was recognized with two national achievements. A new C-Suite leader was also in attendance.
