The Cumberland County Board of Education approved the appointments of Estella Johnson as principal of Cumberland Academy K-5 Virtual School and Emily Richards as principal of Long Hill Elementary School during its regular meeting Tuesday evening, based on the recommendation of Cumberland County Schools (CCS) Superintendent Dr. Eric C. Bracy.

Estella Johnson
Johnson brings more than 15 years of experience in education to her new role. She currently serves as a founding assistant principal at Cumberland Academy 6-12, where she has helped establish instructional and operational systems since the school's opening in 2020. Prior to joining CCS, she served as a digital instructional facilitator in Scotland County and a middle school teacher in both Robeson and Scotland counties.

Johnson earned a Master of Education in Technology in Education from Lesley University. She also earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies Education and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. She also holds a North Carolina School Administrator - Principal License. She was recognized as a Fayetteville Observer 40 Under 40 honoree and was a CCS 2026 Assistant Principal of the Year finalist.

Emily Richards
Richards brings 12 years of experience in education to her new role. She currently serves as the assistant principal at Elizabeth Cashwell Elementary School. During her career with Cumberland County Schools, she has also served as assistant principal at Lewis Chapel Middle, principal resident at Spring Lake Middle and a teacher at Long Hill Elementary and Gray’s Creek Middle.

Richards earned a Master of School Administration from North Carolina State University, a Master of Education in Reading from Fayetteville State University and a Bachelor of Education in Middle Grades English Language Arts (Grades 6-9) with a concentration in Exceptional Children: General Curriculum (K-12) and Elementary Education (K-6) from Fayetteville State University. She was named the South View District Assistant Principal of the Year for 2025-2026 and previously earned Teacher of the Year honors at Long Hill Elementary School and within the Pine Forest District.