09/03/2026
Cumberland Academy and The Leadership Academy Faculty and Parents,
In September of 1996 Norma and I stepped out in faith and founded a private school focused on meeting the needs of one of our children and others in the community with learning challenges. Two years later we applied for and opened the first Charter School in East Texas allowing every child to attend tuition free. With a simple philosophy of focusing education on the individual needs of each child the school has grown to what it has become today.
During the past year, Norma has retired from her Superintendent position and this month I am stepping down as Board Chairman.
As we transition to "Retirement", Norma and I want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the teachers and staff who took that mission and put it into practice and to all the families in our community who entrusted the education of
their children to us.
Each and every child is as precious as is their education.
With warm regards and thanksgiving, we thank you,
Dr. and Mrs. Cotton
