Stephen Britt to join new JCPS Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy on July 1st
SMITHFIELD – Following a closed session Thursday evening, the Johnston County Public School Board approved the hiring of Stephen Britt as the new Chief Financial Officer for Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS).
Mr. Britt has been the Chief Finance Officer for Sampson County Schools since January 2017, when he was hired by Sampson County Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy. On May 27th, Dr. Bracy was named the new Johnston County Public Schools Superintendent effective July 1, 2020. Mr. Britt will also begin work with JCPS on July 1, 2020.
“I am excited for the challenge for several reasons,” Mr. Britt said Friday. “Number one, I worked for Dr. Bracy for almost four years. We work really well together and have the same play book to speak of. Another part, I love the challenge as I said before. Johnston County Schools has a tremendous potential and I’m really excited to get started and going.”
Prior to working for Sampson County Schools, Britt served for 3 years as the assistant finance officer for Duplin County Schools. Prior to that, he spent 13 years in the corporate work as an accountant. He is also a reservist in the U.S. Coast Guard.
Britt grew up on a tobacco farm in Robeson County. After graduation from Lumberton Senior High, he attended East Carolina University and earned a bachelor degree in economics and masters degree in accounting.
His wife, Penny, is a school teacher. They have two children, their oldest, Nicholas is a firefighter at Camp Lejeune. Their youngest son, Logan, is a rising senior in high school.
Mr. Britt said he plans to find a temporary residence in Johnston County for the next year until his son completes high school. Afterwards, his family will relocate to Johnston County.
Britt replaces JCPS Finance Officer Art Stanley who announced his resignation in May to accept a job as Executive Director of Financial Services for Wilson County Schools on July 1, 2020.
Stanley had been paid $116,148 per year. Britt will receive a starting salary of $125,000, a 7.6 percent increase over Stanley’s annual salary.
In addition to his salary, Britt’s four year contract with JCPS stipulates the school system will also make an annual retirement program contribution of up to $5,000 per year. He will be reimbursed for travel, out of pocket professional expenses, miscellaneous expenses, and up to $300 per year to cover the cost of joining at least one professional organization. He will be required to maintain his certification as a Certified Public Accountant.
