Upperman Principal Billy Stepp Returns Home To Serve As Cumberland School Director

Upperman High School Principal Billy Stepp said his family ties to Cumberland County was a main reason why he pursued the Director of Schools position.

Stepp begins his three-year contract with the system on July 1st. He said he is excited for the opportunity.

“I went to school there and still know several people up there,” Stepp said. “I do really enjoy Cumberland County, has a lot to offer for anyone to live there. It’s a great place to live, so it just seemed like the right time and the right place.”

Stepp said as director, the first step he wants to take is building a team. Stepp said he wants to create a trust with school employees and the community.

“I think that’s the foundation of being successful is when you’re working with the community on what the community is interested in and doing the right things for their kids is super important,” Stepp said.

Stepp said he was not seeking a school director position until he heard of Cumberland County’s opening. Stepp grew up in the county where his parents lived at for 50 years.

Stepp said one challenge he anticipates is adapting to Governor Bill Lee’s new school funding formula. Stepp said he plans to pay special attention to this legislation to maximize Cumberland County’s funding.