Today, during the Cumberland County Board of Education’s monthly meeting, Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr., announced an updated plan for students on the traditional and early college calendars to begin the transition to Plan B (a combination of in-person and virtual learning) on March 15, 2021, contingent upon the metrics and other factors that district officials continue to monitor. Students attending year-round schools will transition to Plan B on April 12, 2021, following the intercession. Fall End-of-Course (EOC) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) exams for high school students will take place in early March; high school staff will share more information with families at a later time.

Cumberland County Schools (CCS) students will continue learning virtually through the end of the 3rd quarter. Due to the high and concerning COVID-19 metrics currently present in Cumberland County, district officials have adjusted the timeline as allowed by the Board’s previous decisions, both in response to those metrics and to align the anticipated return with the planned vaccination schedule. 

“We truly appreciate the tireless patience of all of our students, families, and staff during the global pandemic,” said Dr. Connelly. “We also thank the essential staff who continue to provide onsite support with food, technology, delivery of goods, building maintenance, and security during the quarantine period. While we are eager to return to in-person learning, we feel this is the best path forward that prioritizes the safety and well-being of our students and employees.”

In making this adjustment, district officials considered the metrics for a safe return to in-person learning, medical metrics, the impact on student academic success, students’ social and emotional wellness, staff wellness, and the ability to staff classrooms upon returning.

CCS officials are working closely with the Cumberland County Department of Public Health regarding the implementation of Phase 1b of the state’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution program, which prioritizes CCS employees and other essential workers to receive the vaccine. During Phase 1b, all CCS staff will be eligible to receive the vaccine in alignment with the schedule provided by local health officials, which may be as early as the end of January. While the vaccine is not mandatory, it is recommended by health officials as a way to save lives and slow the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 DISCLAIMER: All Cumberland County Schools district-level and school-based communications or guidance, e.g., handbooks, websites, social media communications, etc., are subject to change at any time due to changing COVID-19 conditions and related health or safety guidance.