Board of Education Called Meeting - October 5, 2026

At its October 5, 2026 called meeting, the Cleveland County Schools Board of Education voted 6–3 to hire Dr. Chris Bennett as superintendent. The board then approved his contract, with five members in favor and four opposed, according to the transcript. The contract was presented in closed session; its specific compensation and contract number were not stated in the transcript. During discussion, members raised concerns about the four-year term, the absence of a probationary period or stated goals, and provisions they said would allow the board chair to make certain authorizations without full-board approval. Supporters defended the selection process and cited superintendent salaries in comparable districts, including amounts of $219,000, $223,000, and $235,000. One member also argued that the compensation reflected the role and Dr. Bennett’s qualifications.

Dr. Bennett thanked the board and outlined priorities including student-centered decisions, listening to employees and communities, academic improvement, and partnerships supporting career and college pathways. No other purchasing or capital-project actions were identified.