NEW BERN — The Craven County Board of Education unanimously approved Matthew Cheeseman as the district’s next superintendent during a special work session on December 16, 2025, marking the end of a months-long search for permanent leadership.
Cheeseman, who has served as superintendent of Beaufort County Schools since January 2019, will officially begin his new role on Feb. 1, 2026.
The move brings him to a significantly larger district. Craven County Schools serves 12,693 students across 26 schools and has approximately 1,600 staff members, more than double the size of Beaufort County Schools, which serves 5,938 students across 14 schools and has about 788 staff members during the 2024-25 school year.
With more than 31 years of experience in public education, including stints with Washington County Schools and Perquimans County Schools, Cheeseman brings a track record of leadership in eastern North Carolina districts.
“Dr. Cheeseman stood out during the interview process because of his passion in wanting to serve Craven County Schools and his clear commitment to moving our district forward as THE CHOICE for families, students, and staff,” said Board Chairman Lee Kirkman in a statement from Craven County Schools. “The Board looks forward to working with him as we continue building a strong future for our schools.”
Award-Winning Leadership
Cheeseman’s selection follows recent recognition as the 2025-2026 Southeast Region 2 Superintendent of the Year and as a finalist for North Carolina Superintendent of the Year. He was also named RTM EDTech All-Star Superintendent in 2023 and regional superintendent of the year in 2021.
“I felt that some of my leadership skills could align to what Craven desires for their students and their community,” Cheeseman said. “It’s less of a decision to leave Beaufort County and more of a decision to join Craven County.”
The appointment includes a four-year contract through June 2029 and a salary of $235,000. This represents a significant increase from his current compensation of $185,000 at Beaufort County Schools, where his total compensation package is $220,000.
Priorities and Challenges Ahead
Upon entering Craven County Schools, Cheeseman outlined several key focus areas:
- Building a strong relationship with the Board of Education
- Developing a fiscally responsible budget aligned to the district’s strategic plan
- Establishing relationships with professional educators and support staff
- Developing rapport with parents, community members, elected officials, and business partners
- Learning the deep traditions and values of Craven County Schools while identifying desired transitions to support dynamic education for all students
The new superintendent inherits a district facing significant challenges, including an $8 million to $10 million budget shortfall due to declining enrollment and the loss of COVID-19 relief funding. Craven County Schools also experienced leadership instability with back-to-back superintendent resignations and dealt with a grade-changing scandal at New Bern High School in 2023.
“I think the biggest thing right now is to understand fiscally where we are,” Cheeseman said. “At the same time, looking at human resources and where our personnel are and what support they’re going to need to make short-term, mid-term, and long-range planning.”
Extensive Experience Across Eastern North Carolina
Throughout his career, Cheeseman has held diverse leadership roles across North Carolina and the country. His North Carolina experience includes serving as superintendent of Perquimans County Schools and chief academic officer at Washington County Schools, in addition to his current role at Beaufort County Schools.
His varied career has also included positions as curriculum leader, administrator, athletic director, and classroom teacher, giving him a comprehensive understanding of public education from multiple perspectives.
He holds a doctorate from East Carolina University, a master’s degree from San Jose State University, a bachelor’s degree from Delaware Valley University, and principal certification from Gardner-Webb University.
Transition Leadership in Both Districts
To ensure continuity in Craven County, Stuart Blount will serve as interim superintendent beginning Jan. 1, 2026, as current interim superintendent Richard Stout completes his term. Stout stepped in this past May after Wendy Miller announced her retirement in March.
Meanwhile, Beaufort County Schools Board of Education unanimously welcomed Mark Doane to the interim superintendent role following Cheeseman’s resignation. Doane has been with the district for over a decade and currently serves as assistant superintendent. He started his career as a teacher in 1995 before moving to Beaufort County in 2014.
“Mark comes with a lot of expertise. He’s been in the county for a number of years, knows our students, knows our staff and knows what Beaufort County needs,” said T.W. Allen, Chairman of the Beaufort County Schools Board of Education.
Beaufort County will now conduct a search for a permanent replacement for Cheeseman.
Cheeseman expressed gratitude for his time in Beaufort County while looking ahead to his new role. “The Board of Education there has treated me like a son and or a brother, very family rich, and it’s embraced me over that time in seven years,” Cheeseman said. “I’m very thankful for them, but at the same time, looking very forward to Craven County schools and the opportunities here to be a part of such a great place.”
Cheeseman and his wife, Lisa Cheeseman, have been married for 29 years. They have one daughter who will graduate from high school in May 2026.