Johnston County Public Schools hires new superintendent

By Randy Capps

SMITHFIELD — When a visitor walked into the Johnston County Public Schools Evander Simpson Building recently, there were plenty of new things around.

A table, with the reminder of the governor’s face covering order and several containers of hand sanitizer, was front and center. On the wall to the right was another new decoration — a banner welcoming Dr. Eric Bracy as the system’s new superintendent.

On this summer morning, he was still in the process of familiarizing himself with his surroundings.

“I’m getting to know everybody and meeting people,” he said. “I love meeting people. I hate the COVID restrictions because I like to get out and get amongst people, shake hands, hug people and get to know them. I’m not happy about those restrictions, but we’ve got to be safe.”

Bracy, 47, is the first minority to hold the system’s top administrative job. He arrives in Johnston County after six years in the same role for Sampson County Schools. During that time, he was named 2017 N.C. Association of Educators’ Superintendent of the Year and oversaw a rise in student performance while helping the district build a $4 million fund balance.

He hopes to repeat those feats here in Johnston County.

“What I envision my role being is helping this school district become the best that it can be,” he said. “I see my role as being to restore public confidence in the school system. You can’t do that alone. You do it with the support of the board. You do it with a great staff, and you do it with wonderful community partners and parents as well.

“Academically, financially, getting our financial house in order and keeping it in order, those are the key roles I think I play. ... I think it’s a great school system. Historically, great things have happened here. It’s clearly a great place to live, because everywhere I go there’s construction on new housing developments. It’s in a wonderful location. ... I think the district has great potential. I really do. I think everything’s in place for it to be one of the best school districts in the state. Without question.”

Stephen Britt was Bracy’s chief financial officer in Sampson County, and JCPS hired him to fill that role here as well.

Like Bracy, his first day on the job was July 1.

“It was good on day one to know somebody,” Bracy said. “He and I have worked very well together. We sort of think alike when it comes to fiscal responsibilities and spending. We have the same sort of playbook. I think that this community will learn to love the work that Stephen does each day.”

Bracy began his career as a fourth grade teacher in Northampton County after getting his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from N.C. Central University. Even after earning a master’s degree in education administration from Virginia State and a doctorate in education leadership from Nova Southeastern, he’s still a teacher at heart.

“There’s nothing like being in the classroom,” he said. “And even though

I’ve been an administrator for several years, what people will find about me — when all the restrictions are lifted — is that I love being in schools. I love going into schools, sitting in classrooms, talking to students, talking to teachers, just curious about the teaching and learning process. Those are my happiest days.”

His push toward a career in education came from his parents while growing up in Weldon.

“My mom was a kindergarten teacher,” he said. “My dad was a high school principal, and they were such pillars of their community and it really influenced my brother and me to want to become educators as well. This is what I’ve always wanted to do.”

His brother, Dr. Elie Bracy III, is the superintendent for Portsmouth Public Schools in Virginia. He was one of the many family members on hand for July’s swearing in ceremony.

Dr. Eric Bracy’s wife, Janelle, held the Bible while he took the oath of office. In addition to being a pre-kindergarten teacher, she and Bracy are raising three daughters, two of whom could be attending Johnston County Public Schools in the coming school year.

“We’re just looking all over,” he said, when asked about choosing a place to settle. “People ask me where I’m going to live. My answer is clear and consistent. ‘Wherever Janelle tells me.’”

So, in addition to his professional interests, he also has a personal stake in making Johnston County’s schools as safe as possible in the midst of the country’s current health crisis.

“We’re going to do everything in our power to make sure our students are safe,” he said. “We’re going to follow all of the protocols that are set forth by the governor, the state and the Department of Public Instruction to make sure we’re keeping our students safe each day. Of course, there will be protocols about social distancing in classrooms and on school buses. Temperature checks — we’re going to follow those protocols.”

The coming school year is going to bring plenty of changes for everyone involved with Johnston County Public Schools. And its new leader seems eager for the challenges those changes may bring.

“I’m excited to be here and excited to get started,” he said. “I can’t wait to interact with everybody.”