On Monday, June 23, the Cumberland County Board of Education unanimously approved the 2025-2026 Budget Resolution during a special work session held at Fayetteville Technical Community College. With this approval, Cumberland County Schools (CCS) can begin operating in the new fiscal year on July 1, while final state funding allocations are still contingent on the passage of the state budget.

This action follows a historic decision by the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners to fully fund the school system’s local budget request. Last week, the Commissioners approved $103 million in current expense funding for CCS, which will allow the district to increase certified and classified staff supplements. The County also approved $300 million for school facility maintenance and earmarked $160 million for new school construction over the next seven years.

“At the heart of this budget is a bold but necessary investment in the people who serve our schools every day,” said Deanna Jones, chairwoman of the Cumberland County Board of Education, in a press release. “We are deeply grateful to the Board of Commissioners for their historic commitment to our school system. Their decision is a powerful investment in CCS and the future of Cumberland County.”

The 2025-2026 budget is guided by the theme “Anchored in Excellence: Investing in Our People, Supporting Every Student,” reflecting the district’s continued focus on student success, educator support and long-term community impact.

In addition to the budget resolution, the Board approved several other actions, including:

Specially designed instruction and professional service agreements for exceptional children
A cooperative agreement with the N.C. Division of Employment and Independence for people with disabilities
Memorandum of Agreement with the City of Fayetteville for school resource officer and traffic control officer services
Curriculum support service agreements and textbook adoptions
Membership dues, budget amendments and personnel recommendations

For the full June 23 agenda and to review all meeting materials, visit BoardDocs.

The Board of Education extends its sincere appreciation to the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners.