The Cumberland County School Board has mutually parted ways with Director of Schools William Stepp and elected Chief Academic Officer Rebecca Farley as the Interim Director.
Stepp’s contract was set to expire at the end of June. He will be placed on a paid leave of absence for the remainder of his contract. Attorney Chris McCarty recommended that the board mutually part ways with Stepp based on how the board’s decision making has played out.
“I know Mr. Stepp is in favor of it, I know that he is in favor of moving forward with that because in my opinion, it allows both sides to move forward in an amicable fashion, and also I’ll say this, in a professional fashion,” McCarty said. “I think it’s something that, let’s just let both sides turn the corner in a positive direction.”
Farley said it is going to take everyone working together to steer the school system in the right direction.
“We are going to have to work together,” Farley said. “It’s gonna take all nine of you plus a strong director to lead this school system where it needs to go.”
The board also considered William Maddox and Bryan Simmons as the interim director. School Board Member Shannon Stout applauded the candidates for having the desire to be the interim director.
“I think we have some great candidates that have stepped forward,” Stout said. “I appreciate you all doing so, particularly under the circumstances that it’s under.”
Once the board voted to mutually part ways early in the meeting, Stepp stood up, shook hands with School Board Chairman Chris King, and received an ovation from the public as he walked out.
