JACKSON – Welcome.

That’s the message school officials hope to get across to new Northampton County Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy.

A reception for Dr. Bracy is planned for Monday, Aug. 4 at Central Elementary School just outside of Jackson on NC 305 North.

The public is encouraged to attend the function, which will begin at 5 p.m. and last until 6 p.m. The Northampton County Board of Education’s regular monthly meeting will follow the reception at 6:30 p.m. in the Board’s meeting room at Central Office.

“It’s our way of introducing the new superintendent to the community,” said Board Chair Grace Edwards about the reception. “We’re hoping they will stop in and say ‘hello’ to Dr. Bracy.”

Edwards continued by saying, that the reception will allow school officials strengthen their ties with the community. Each of her colleagues on the seven seat board is slated to attend the function.

Edwards said she is hoping there will be a good turn out for the informal reception, which will allow guests to converse with Dr. Bracy one on one. Refreshments will also be served.

At the Board’s last meeting, Bracy was sworn into his new position, along with new Board members Erica Ingram-Smith, Marjorie Edwards and Lafayette Majette.

Though Bracy is a native of Roanoke Rapids and Weldon, his roots run deep in Northampton County where his spent time with relatives on their farm.

The county not only played a role in Bracy’s upbringing, but helped shape him as a young educator. His first teaching job came 10 years ago at Squire Elementary School near Gaston where he taught fourth grade.

For the past five years, Bracy been with Durham Public Schools and for the past year he served that school system as Executive Director of Student Support Services.

Bracy received his bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Central University, his masters from Virginia State University and his doctorate from Nova Southeastern University.

Bracy replaces former Superintendent Dr. Kathi Gibson, who retired in January.