Cumberland Schools Announce Staff Appointments and Major Construction Updates for 2025

Cumberland School District is gearing up for an exciting new school year, marked by significant staffing changes and extensive construction projects aimed at enhancing educational facilities. During the Cumberland School Committee meeting on August 28, 2025, several key appointments were announced, including new teachers and paraprofessionals across various schools, effective immediately or within the coming weeks. Notably, Eliza Costa will join BF Norton as a library media STEM teacher, while Jody Lamania will teach eighth-grade science at McCourt.

Superintendent Dr. Thornton highlighted the extensive preparations undertaken over the summer, thanking the central office team and custodial staff for their hard work. He emphasized the district's commitment to school safety, mentioning ongoing training for staff in the ALICE protocol, which prepares them for emergency situations.

The meeting also addressed the district's growing enrollment, with an increase of 125 students compared to the previous year. This surge presents both opportunities for state aid and challenges in capacity management, particularly in elementary schools. Dr. Thornton noted that the district is currently at full capacity and is actively working to accommodate the influx of students.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to updates on construction projects, with representatives from Colliers Project Management detailing the progress made under a five-year capital improvement plan. Major renovations have been completed at several schools, including McCourt and North Cumberland Middle Schools, where science classrooms have been modernized to support contemporary teaching methods. The construction team also provided insights into the upcoming BF Norton Elementary School project, which will expand the facility to accommodate more students and enhance community spaces.

As the Cumberland School District prepares for the new academic year, the combination of new staff, improved facilities, and a focus on safety underscores its commitment to providing a high-quality educational environment for all students. The community can look forward to the groundbreaking ceremony for the new BF Norton Elementary School, set to take place in the coming weeks, marking another step forward in the district's ongoing development efforts.