Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr. is the superintendent of the Cumberland County Schools (CCS).

Dr. Connelly has enjoyed a successful career in public education spanning over 30 years in North Carolina. From 2013 until 2018, he served as the chief of staff for the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), where he was responsible for the daily operations of the superintendent’s office and for coordinating the functions of the school system across all departments.

Additionally, he served WCPSS for seven years as the assistant superintendent for student services, where he oversaw the school system’s alternative schools and led the development, implementation, and evaluation of special education, counseling, student, and intervention services. Dr. Connelly also has experience as a middle school and high school principal and as a high school assistant principal.

Dr. Connelly began his career in public education as a special education teacher assistant and teacher, after proudly serving as an officer in the U.S. Army, including time in the 82nd Airborne Division.

Throughout his career, Dr. Connelly has received numerous awards, including the Sandhills Regional Superintendent of the Year award, the NAACP Educator of the Year award, the Raymond Sarbaugh Leadership award from the NC Association of School Administrators and the NC School Superintendents Association, the Raleigh/Wake Citizens Association Educator of the Year award and the 2024 NC A. Craig Phillips NC Superintendent of the Year.

Dr. Connelly has given back by serving on various boards in the educational community, including the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the School Superintendents Association (AASA), NC School Superintendents Association (NCSSA), Habitat for Humanity (Wake) Board of Directors and the Founding President of the NC Affiliate of the National Alliance of Black School Administrators.

Dr. Connelly has a bachelor’s degree in political science from North Carolina State University. After earning master’s degrees in special education and school administration from North Carolina State University, he went on to obtain a doctorate in educational leadership from East Carolina University. He and his wife, Joyce, have four grown children, 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.