Cumberland County, NC — January 23, 2026 — Cumberland County Schools leaders are reviewing updated facilities recommendations that could significantly reshape the district, including the potential closure or consolidation of eight schools and the construction of new school buildings.
The recommendations were presented during a special-called work session held January 23 at the Eastover Recreation Center. No vote was taken, and district officials emphasized that no final decisions have been made.
Background of the Facilities Review
The discussion stems from a districtwide facilities assessment completed last year by MGT of America Consulting. The review examined all 86 Cumberland County school buildings and estimated approximately $800 million in total repair needs across the district.
District administrators said they reviewed the consultant’s findings and applied additional considerations, including community impact, student safety, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability, before developing the current proposal.
Proposed Construction and Consolidation Plan
Under the district’s current recommendation, $160 million already allocated by Cumberland County commissioners would be used to:
- Construct three new elementary schools
- Add onto Gray’s Creek High School
- Close or consolidate eight existing schools to reduce long-term maintenance costs
Officials stated that the proposed closures and consolidations are intended to address aging facilities, underutilization, and high operating costs.
Schools Under Consideration
The following schools are currently under review. District leaders stressed that this list is preliminary and subject to change. Summaries below are based on data from the 2025 MGT of America Consulting facilities report.
Elementary Schools
Brentwood Elementary School
1115 Bingham Drive, Fayetteville
Utilization: 83.63%
Capacity: 556 | Enrollment: 465
Operating costs: $4.85 million | ~$10,436 per student
Facility condition score: 60.99
Margaret Willis Elementary School
1412 Belvedere Avenue, Fayetteville
Utilization: 78.88%
Capacity: 374 | Enrollment: 295
Operating costs: $3.46 million | ~$11,744 per student
Facility condition score: 66.51
Sherwood Park Elementary School
2115 Hope Mills Road, Fayetteville
Utilization: 64.38%
Capacity: 511 | Enrollment: 329
Operating costs: $4.15 million | ~$12,620 per student
Facility condition score: 61.98
Manchester Elementary School
611 Spring Avenue, Spring Lake
Utilization: 72.48%
Capacity: 407 | Enrollment: 295
Operating costs: $2.54 million | ~$8,615 per student
Facility condition score: 61.45
Stedman Elementary School
7370 Clinton Road, Stedman
Utilization: 80.90%
Capacity: 361 | Enrollment: 292
Operating costs: $3.7 million | ~$12,703 per student
Facility condition score: 75.78
Middle School
Anne Chesnutt Middle School
2121 Skibo Road, Fayetteville
Utilization: 60.76%
Capacity: 874 | Enrollment: 531
Operating costs: $4.51 million | ~$8,505 per student
Facility condition score: 57.61
High Schools
Alger B. Wilkins High School
1429 Skibo Road, Fayetteville
Utilization: 38.06%
Capacity: 381 | Enrollment: 145
Operating costs: $2.23 million | ~$15,408 per student
Facility condition score: 52.12
Ramsey Street High School
117 Quincy Street, Fayetteville
Utilization: 8.5%
Capacity: 341 | Enrollment: 31
Operating costs: $2.36 million | ~$81,717 per student
Serves as a Cumberland County Schools alternative high school
Facility condition score: 70.27
Clarification on E.E. Smith High School
District officials clarified that E.E. Smith High School is not proposed for closure. While the consultant recommended renovations, the district has identified the construction of a new E.E. Smith High School as a future priority using funding separate from the current $160 million allocation.
Community Concerns and Next Steps
Parents and families have raised concerns related to transportation, commute times, childcare logistics, and financial strain, particularly for households participating in school choice programs that do not receive district transportation.
Many families say they learned about the potential changes through social media rather than direct communication from the school district. District officials said formal notices have not been sent because no plan has been finalized.
The Cumberland County Board of Education is expected to continue discussions on the proposal in February.
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