Dr. Eric C. Bracy was sworn in as superintendent of Cumberland County Schools during a special ceremony and reception held Aug. 5 at the Dr. William “Bill” Harrison Educational Resource Center.
Themed “Bracy on Board: Anchored in Excellence, Ready to Lead,” the event brought together nearly 400 educators, elected officials and community members to celebrate the district’s new leadership.
Dr. Bracy officially began his tenure on July 1, 2025, after receiving unanimous approval from the Cumberland County Board of Education following a nationwide search.
During the ceremony, the Honorable Addie M. Harris Rawls administered the oath of office, followed by remarks from Dr. Bracy. In his address, Dr. Bracy reflected on the district’s strengths and outlined his vision for the path ahead.
“We have much to be proud of in Cumberland County Schools,” said Dr. Bracy to the crowd. “This is a flagship district, one that I’ve followed from afar for years. I know the work that’s been done. I’ve seen the progress. And now, I’m ready to help build on that legacy and move us even further.”
Dr. Bracy shared that coming to work in Cumberland County is a full-circle experience, as his parents went to school at Fayetteville State University, back when it was called Fayetteville State Teachers College, to become educators. Growing up with parents in the field helped instill his love of education.
“I learned up close the amazing things that can happen when a community wraps its arms around its school system and its children,” remarked Dr. Bracy.
Dr. Bracy emphasized his desire to make CCS the best school district in North Carolina, noting that the journey forward begins by listening.
“I’m not coming in with all the answers,” he added. “But I am coming in ready to listen, ready to learn and ready to work side-by-side with our amazing team.”
Dr. Bracy shared that his personal compass when making a decision is to ask himself “Is what we’re discussing in the best interest of students?” If the answer is no, he knows it’s time to pivot to a new idea. With that guiding principle in mind, Dr. Bracy is ready to get to work.
Over the next several weeks, Dr. Bracy plans to engage with stakeholders across the county, guided by four key questions:
Dr. Bracy brings more than two decades of educational leadership experience to CCS. As he begins this new chapter in CCS, he is focused on building upon the district’s strong foundation and helping every student thrive in the classroom and beyond.
