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New Bern, NC — Today, during the Craven County Board of Education Work Session, Dr. Cheeseman, incoming Craven County Schools Superintendent, officially took his oath of office, administered by Superior Clerk of Court Lexanne Huffman. Dr. Cheeseman will assume his role as superintendent effective February 1, 2026.

The ceremony was attended by numerous community leaders, partners, and Craven County Schools district and school leaders, demonstrating strong community support for district leadership. Those in attendance included Senator Bob Brinson, Craven County Commissioners, Havelock City Commissioners, Dr. Staats, President of Craven Community College, and other local officials and education partners.

The Craven County Board of Education expressed its enthusiasm and confidence in Dr. Cheeseman’s leadership and vision for the district. Board members shared their anticipation for continued growth, collaboration, and success for Craven County Schools’ students and staff under his leadership.

Craven County Schools looks forward to welcoming Dr. Cheeseman as superintendent and working together to advance student achievement, strengthen partnerships, and support staff across the district.

New Bern, NC-The Craven County Board of Education approved the appointment of Dr. Matthew Cheeseman as the district’s next superintendent during its Work Session held on December 16, 2025. Dr. Cheeseman will officially assume the role on February 1, 2026.

Dr. Cheeseman brings more than 31 years of experience in public education, including 10 years as a superintendent. He currently serves as Superintendent of Beaufort County Schools, a position he has held since January 2019. He was recently named the 2025–2026 Southeast Region 2 Superintendent of the Year and was selected as a finalist for North Carolina Superintendent of the Year.

“Dr. Cheeseman stood out during the interview process because of his passion in wanting to serve Craven County Schools and his clear commitment to moving our district forward as THE CHOICE for families, students, and staff,” said Board Chairman Lee Kirkman. “The Board looks forward to working with him as we continue building a strong future for our schools.”

Throughout his career, Dr. Cheeseman has held a wide range of leadership and instructional roles in districts across North Carolina and the country, including superintendent, chief academic officer, curriculum leader, administrator, athletic director, and classroom teacher.

Dr. Cheeseman holds a Doctorate from East Carolina University, a Master of Arts from San Jose State University, a Bachelor of Science from Delaware Valley University, and Principal Certification from Gardner-Webb University.

To ensure continuity in leadership, the Board of Education has approved Dr. Stuart Blount to serve as Interim Superintendent effective January 1, 2026, as Mr. Richard Stout completes his term as the current Interim Superintendent. Dr. Blount will serve in this role until Dr. Cheeseman officially begins on February 1, 2026.

Dr. Cheeseman has been married to Dr. Lisa Cheeseman for 29 years. They have one daughter, who will graduate from high school in May 2026.

The Craven County Board of Education looks forward to Dr. Cheeseman’s leadership and his continued commitment to academic excellence, student success, and community engagement.

Craven County Schools wrapped up its 6th Annual School Nutrition Food Festival at Havelock High School on Friday, December 3rd, and what an amazing day it was!

The circus-themed celebration brought together 250 student taste testers, 10 from every school, to sample new foods and help shape the 2026–27 school menus.

“Our students are the heart of our menu planning,” shared Lauren Weyand, CCS Director of School Nutrition. “Their feedback ensures we serve nutritious and delicious meals they enjoy, supporting both their health and their readiness to learn.”

Students sampled a wide variety of dishes from multiple vendors and offered direct feedback that will guide next year’s menu decisions.

Thank you to our students, vendors, school nutrition staff, and everyone who helped make this event unforgettable.

We loved seeing our students shine ‘Under the Big Top’!

During the annual Board of Education Organizational Meeting held on Monday, December 1, new leadership was officially elected to guide the Craven County Schools Board of Education for the upcoming year.

We are delighted to announce that Mr. Lee Kirkman was elected to serve as Chairman of the Board of Education, and Ms. Amy Davis was elected to serve as Vice-Chairman.

Both leaders are stepping into their new roles with clear vision and shared commitment:

• Focus on Students and Staff: Both Mr. Kirkman and Ms. Davis emphasized their dedication to prioritizing the needs, well-being, and success of our students and the dedicated staff who serve them.
• Commitment to Collaboration: They expressed enthusiasm for working collaboratively with fellow board members, the Superintendent, and the entire CCS team to continue advancing the district's mission and goals.

The leadership transition marks an exciting period of dedication for the district.

Congratulations to Mr. Kirkman on his election as Chairman and Ms. Davis on her election as Vice-Chairman! We look forward to supporting their leadership in the year ahead.

 

Craven County Schools extends a heartfelt thank you to the Richard Dobbs Spaight Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) for their generous and meaningful book donation to our elementary, middle, and high schools media centers.

These carefully selected titles will support and enrich student learning, inspiring curiosity and cultural understanding during Native American Heritage Month and well beyond.

The donation included Chapter Representative Mrs. Paula Quinn and Committee Members, who proudly presented the books to Mrs. Jennifer Wagner, CCS Director of Public Relations and Communications. Mrs. Wagner graciously accepted the gift on behalf of the entire district and its students.

Mrs. Wagner shared her appreciation for the annual contribution:

“We are so grateful for Mrs. Quinn’s dedication each year. The Committee’s gift is always a highlight for our media coordinators and students as they look forward to exploring these new resources. Their commitment to learning is deeply appreciated, and we value them as one of our most generous and consistent community partners.”

This commitment from the Richard Dobbs Spaight Chapter helps CCS expand its library resources, ensuring students have access to diverse perspectives and historical context. Thank you for helping us inspire curiosity, cultural awareness, and a love of reading in our students.