Members of the Cumberland County School Board said they are optimistic about the system’s direction after electing Dr. Rebecca Farley as the next director of schools.
Board Member Jon Matthews said he has been impressed with Farley’s performance over the past two months as interim director. Matthews said he is optimistic that Farley can pull the school board in one direction.
“She works hard, communicates very well with the board, and that’s what we have been lacking,” Matthews said. “And so I think moving forward, her part as the director, leading our entire school system and our entire school district in a direction that we need to go, makes our job a lot easier.”
School Board Chairman Chris King said he hopes the system can maintain some momentum after making another change in director.
“Well, we hopefully will be able to move forward as we should in our role as the board to support the school system and the director,” King said. “I think we are doing that now since we voted unanimously to select her.”
Matthews said he believes Farley has a plan to reach the goals that the school board and school system want to achieve. King said a great working relationship with Farley can bring long-term success to the school system.
“We’re hoping to see a continuous of growth in our scores and relook at our five-year plan to make sure that we are still on track with what we need to do,” King said. “Get our budgets approved, and do the things that we need to do to make this thing good for the school system.”
Matthews said so far, Farley seems liked by most of the teachers and staff.
“You’re never gonna please everyone, but at the same time, an overwhelming majority that has contacted me is very pleased and very happy,” Matthews said.
The school board is still in contract negotiations with Farley. A special called meeting to address the contract has been scheduled for Wednesday at 4pm.
