Cumberland County Schools (CCS) has released the Superintendent’s Recommended Budget for the 2025-2026 school year. Totaling $649,533,224, the recommended budget is guided by the theme “Anchored in Excellence: Investing in Our People, Supporting Every Student.” It reflects the district’s continued commitment to student success, educator and staff support and responsible financial stewardship.

The recommended budget is currently under review by the Cumberland County Board of Education. The Board is expected to consider any adjustments and vote on the proposed budget on May 13. Once adopted, the district’s local funding request will be submitted to the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners for consideration.

At the core of the recommendation is a $14 million increase in local funding, which would go directly toward strengthening compensation for teachers, support staff and school leaders. This would bring the district’s total local funding request to $103,734,839 for the 2025-2026 school year. The district also plans to use $14.2 million from its fund balance to help offset rising operational costs.

“The goal of this budget is simple and urgent—to invest in the people who make our schools work,” said Dr. Marvin Connelly Jr., superintendent of Cumberland County Schools, in a press release. “By strengthening compensation for teachers, support staff and school leaders, we’re creating the conditions where both students and employees can thrive. Our educators and staff are the driving force behind student achievement, and this budget ensures they are supported, valued and empowered to do their best work.”

Highlights of the Superintendent’s Recommended 2025-2026 Budget include:

• Increasing the average local teacher supplement from $3,475 to $5,731, with total supplements (including state funding) ranging from $5,169 to $11,550
• Raising classified staff supplements from 2% to 4% of salary
• Enhancing compensation for school leaders
• Principals: from 12.5%-25.0% to 14.5%-27.0% of base salary
• Assistant Principals: from 8.5%-9.5% to 10.5%-11.5% of base salary
• Reducing Central Services costs by $2.7 million to prioritize school-level needs

The recommended budget supports CCS’ Strategic Plan 2026: The Cumberland Commitment, which outlines priorities across four focus areas: Successful Students, Premier Professionals, Exceptional Environment and Committed Community.

To read the full 2025-2026 recommended budget, visit www.ccs.k12.nc.us/budget.