Dr. Melody Chalmers McClain serves as the Associate Superintendent of Student Support Services for Cumberland County Schools, bringing more than 25 years of experience in public education. She is a dedicated advocate for student success and well-being, with a strong track record of leadership at the school and district levels.

From 2018 to 2022, Dr. Chalmers McClain served as the Assistant Superintendent of Transformation and Strategic Initiatives, where she played a key role in supporting schools and administrators across the district with a focus on school turnaround.  During this time, she also led the development of The Cumberland Commitment 2026, the district’s strategic plan aimed at driving continuous improvement and excellence in education. She was named the CCS Central Services Employee of the Year in 2023.

A proud product of Cumberland County Schools, Dr. Chalmers McClain began her career in the district in 1998 at her alma mater, E.E. Smith High School, where she served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal. Her leadership was recognized statewide when she was selected as the 2016 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year and represented NC during the  2017 National Association of Secondary School Principals of the Year Program in Washington, D.C..

Dr. Chalmers McClain is a member of the NC Principal of the Year Network and has served on the North Carolina Principals’ Advisory Council and the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Association of Principals and Assistant Principals. She was appointed by Governor Roy Cooper to the Governor’s Commission on Access to a Sound Basic Education, where she was a staunch advocate for increasing access and opportunities for all students.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in English Education from North Carolina A&T State University, a Master’s degree in School Administration from Fayetteville State University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Gardner-Webb University.

• Office of the Superintendent's Homepage

• Strategic Plan 2026

• Superintendent's Cabinet Homepage

2465 Gillespie Street
Fayetteville, NC 28306
Phone: 910-678-2300
melodychalmers@ccs.k12.nc.us