Editorial Note: CCS Associate Superintendent Dr. Lindsay A. Whitley recently sat down with Dr. Eric C. Bracy for a brief conversation to help introduce him to the Cumberland County Schools community. The information below reflects that discussion and offers insight into Dr. Bracy’s background, values and vision as he begins his tenure as superintendent.
Dr. Bracy will host a meet-and-greet press conference with members of the media on Monday, July 7, at 1:30 p.m. Additional details will be shared in a separate media advisory. He looks forward to connecting with members of the press and engaging with the broader community in the days, weeks and months ahead.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – When the Cumberland County Board of Education voted unanimously on Tuesday, May 27, to appoint Dr. Eric C. Bracy as the next superintendent, it signaled more than a leadership transition. It marked the start of a new chapter, one grounded in service, driven by data and anchored in excellence.
“I want to thank the Board of Education for this opportunity,” Dr. Bracy said. “My family and I are truly humbled and excited to be here and become part of this incredible community.”
Dr. Bracy officially began his tenure with CCS on Tuesday, July 1, bringing with him more than 25 years of experience in public education, including 17 years as a superintendent. But beyond the résumé is a leader who believes deeply in the power of people and the potential of every student. His approach is personal, collaborative and relentlessly focused on student achievement.
A Legacy of Learning and Leading
Raised in Weldon, North Carolina, just two hours from Fayetteville, Dr. Bracy is the son of two lifelong educators. Both graduates of Fayetteville State Teachers College, his parents shaped his understanding of education’s transformative power from an early age.
“My mother taught kindergarten for most of her 41 years,” he recalled. “She used to say, ‘If I can get them reading before they leave me, I’m setting them up for success.’”
His father, a high school principal, approached education from the other end of the spectrum.
“He believed it was his responsibility to ensure students left school ready to be employed, enrolled or enlisted,” Bracy said. “Together, their influence taught me that strong foundations and clear futures are what matter most.”
It’s a lesson he’s carried throughout his career and one he now brings to Cumberland County Schools (CCS).
A Proven Track Record and a Vision for More
Dr. Bracy’s professional path includes leadership in Northampton, Sampson and most recently, Johnston County Schools. In Johnston, the district rose from 83rd to 35th in statewide academic proficiency, where under his leadership, low-performing schools dropped from 14 to just one.
“I love seeing the results after end-of-year testing,” he said. “It tells you if your strategies worked. That data, it keeps the main thing the main thing.”
He takes great pride in achieving those results by building strong school teams, establishing a culture of accountability and empowering educators. His model is simple but effective: know the data, understand each school’s benchmarks and subgroups, and work directly with principals and school improvement teams to craft actionable plans.
“I’m accustomed to working closely with principals,” he said. “Helping schools go from where they are to where they need to be, that’s my model.”
Now, in CCS, currently ranked around 68th in North Carolina, he sees an opportunity to build on the district’s recent momentum and strive for even greater achievement.
“This district has made tremendous progress,” he said. “Removing 17 schools from the state’s low-performing list last year, that’s incredible. But we’re not finished. I want to make Cumberland County Schools the first choice for all students and families. Together, we can become one of the top-ranked districts in the state.”
Listening First, Then Leading Together
Over his first 100 days, Dr. Bracy is focused on listening and learning as he works to understand the district’s unique strengths, challenges and aspirations. His plan includes visiting schools and meeting with students, staff, families and community stakeholders across the district.
As he builds relationships, he’s inviting everyone to consider four guiding questions:
What are the strengths we should protect or grow in Cumberland County Schools?
What challenges must we address to better serve our students?
What ideas could make CCS stronger for the future?
How can you or your organization support student success?
This philosophy is grounded in humility and collaboration and is deeply personal for Dr. Bracy.
“I take great pride in making substantial academic gains everywhere I’ve been,” he said, “but I’ve never done it alone. I’ve always surrounded myself with an amazing team of people, and I know that team already exists right here in CCS.”
“I’m not coming in with all the answers,” he said. “But I am coming in ready to listen, ready to learn, and ready to work side-by-side with our amazing team.”
Instructional Excellence and a Love for the Work
Dr. Bracy’s leadership philosophy is rooted in being present where teaching and learning take place.
“That’s where I spend much of my time,” he said. “There is also a time to be in the office or out in the broader community — both are important. But I believe the heart of our work is in our schools, alongside principals, teachers and students.”
Known for committing data to memory and using it to lead strategic conversations, Dr. Bracy believes in staying close to instruction. It’s how he ensures every school has what it needs to improve.
He also sees CCS Excellence — both present and potential — as a rallying point for the community.
“It’s about staying close enough to the work to support it. I’ll always work with our team to raise student achievement, school by school,” he said.
Keeping Score Where It Counts
A self-proclaimed Dallas Cowboys fan, Dr. Bracy often turns to football for life lessons. He recently shared a quote from the legendary NFL coach Vince Lombardi: “If it doesn’t matter who wins or loses, then why do they keep score?” It’s a reminder that outcomes and accountability matter.
To Dr. Bracy, data matters because students matter.
“I want us to keep score,” he said. “I want to know how we’re doing, by school, by classroom, by student. That’s how we get better. That’s how we win for kids.”
And winning, for Dr. Bracy, means preparing every graduate for life beyond the classroom..
My personal compass is simple,” he said. “Is it best for students? That’s the question I ask every day.”
A Family Man with a Heart for Service
Dr. Bracy’s proudest role is being a husband and father. He and his wife, Janelle, met at North Carolina Central University. A dedicated educator herself, she has stood alongside him throughout his journey. Together, they’ve raised three daughters who reflect the values he champions in public education.
Their eldest, Cameron, recently graduated from UNC Chapel Hill and will soon begin work as an ICU nurse. Courtney, their middle daughter, is a senior at UNC Chapel Hill. Their youngest, Camille, graduated from high school in May and will attend North Carolina Central University in the fall.
Family, faith and service continue to guide Dr. Bracy’s work. And now, those same principles will shape his journey with the Cumberland County Schools community.
Anchored in Excellence, Focused on the Future
As the 2025–2026 school year approaches, Dr. Bracy isn’t just looking to maintain CCS’ momentum. He’s ready to build on its legacy. With a steady hand, a clear vision and a focus on excellence, Dr. Bracy enters CCS ready to listen and lead.
“Cumberland County Schools is a flagship district. I’ve been watching its progress from afar for years,” he said. “Now, I’m honored to be part of that journey and help lead it into the future.”
