The Cumberland County School Board has voted to extend Division Superintendent Dr. Amy Griffin’s contract to June 30, 2020.

The school board’s June 13 vote was unanimous. Griffin’s new contract began Friday.

Griffin has served as superintendent for the seven years and has been involved in education in Cumberland for 14 years.

Griffin has 27 years of experience working in education in both Cumberland and Nottoway counties.

District One Representative and School Board Chairman Ginger Sanderson referred to Griffin as an amazing educational leader who puts students first. 

Sanderson said Griffin has demonstrated her leadership regionally and nationally. 

“There was no other choice for Cumberland County superintendent and extending her contract was the right thing to do,” said District Two Representative George Lee Dowdy III.

Griffin makes $114,414 annually, which includes recent staff salary increases.

“I was humbled and honored to have my contract renewed,” Griffin said. “I love our students, staff and families. I can’t imagine working any other place.”

“She has done so much for the schools … Her heart’s there,” Dowdy said. “She’s not interested in furthering her own career. She’s just interested in making Cumberland a better place for the future by educating our young people and hopefully giving them the tools that they need to maybe even make Cumberland a better place to live.”

Sanderson said, “The changes that we support and work toward are how to best support our students’ needs. Dr. Griffin is committed to collaborating with Cumberland County and other agencies to lower costs by combining multiple services in an attempt to assist with budgetary constraints.”

Griffin said over the next four years she would like to see every one of Cumberland’s students graduate from high school, with skills that will prepare for careers and life.

“Whether graduates decide to further their education with a two- or four-year degree, go into the military or go straight into the workforce, I want them prepared to be lifelong learners, good citizens and possess the ability to communicate, collaborate, critically think and be creative,” Griffin said.

Dowdy agreed. He mentioned the importance of strengthening Cumberland’s career and technical program, because of the fact that many students work their way through school.

“You can still make that choice to go to college, but it gives you job skills that you may need while you’re working towards college,” he said.

Griffin said she hopes to expand learning opportunities for students and staff through many venues, including computer science, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity and EMT classes.

“I would like our students to remain as appreciative and respectful of each other as they are now.” Griffin said. “There is something special about a small class of students that remain in school with each other for 12 or more years. They become a family.”