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April 30, 2024

Community Invited to Provide Feedback in Search for New Superintendent

The Durham Public Schools Board of Education has officially launched the process for selecting the next superintendent for Durham Public Schools. The Board, with assistance from Alma Advisory Group, will lead a national search to identify the district’s next leader. 

Community and stakeholder input plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of our search for a new superintendent. We invite you to share your thoughts and perspectives. All responses are confidential and anonymous. The survey will close on Friday, May 10.

Survey in English

Student Survey

Community meetings will be held May 6-8. The DPS and Durham communities are welcome and encouraged to attend community input meetings. Please see below for dates, times, locations, and registration details. Interpretation services are available for each session. 

Monday, May 6

Old Northern High School

117 Tom Wilkinson Road, Durham, NC 27712

6 p.m.

Register Now

Tuesday, May 7

Hillside High School

3727 Fayetteville Road, Durham, NC 27707

6 p.m. 

Register Now

Childcare available.

Wednesday, May 8

Southern School of Energy and Sustainability

800 Clayton Road, Durham, NC 27703

6 p.m.

Register Now

Childcare available.

Please click the button below for the latest information and updates related to the superintendent search. 

DPS Announces New Principals, Finance Leadership

Durham Public Schools announces several leadership updates.

Joshua Mallory has been named principal of Hillside High School, succeeding Dr. William Logan, who will begin as Assistant Superintendent of High Schools in June. Mallory brings exceptional qualifications, demonstrated leadership abilities, and alignment with the vision and goals of the district and Hillside High. He has a demonstrated understanding of educational principles, has successfully utilized innovative approaches to curriculum development and instruction, and shows a commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive school culture, as well as the preservation of the school’s culture and positive history. He currently serves as principal of Wayne School of Technical Arts and has more than a decade of experience in school administration in the Wake County Public School System and Bertie County Schools. He holds a Master of School Administration from Elizabeth City State University. Mallory begins his tenure on July 1.  

Michael Bloom will transition from interim to permanent principal of Hillandale Elementary School, effective April 26. He succeeds Emmet Alexander, who now serves as principal of Northern High School. Bloom is a 16-year veteran of education and has served Hillandale since 2018 as an assistant principal. He joined DPS in 2007 and served as a social studies teacher at Rogers-Herr Middle School for 10 years before becoming a school administrator. He earned a masters in school administration from N.C. State University.  

Rubhean Barfield has been appointed Director of Budget and Compliance, effective May 1. Barfield brings to the district his deep understanding of financial principles, practices, and procedures. He is skilled in conducting financial analyses, managing budgets, overseeing audits, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Prior to joining DPS, Barfield served as senior financial planning analyst for Trane Technologies. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University. 

Serita Hunter has been appointed as Interim Director of Fiscal Operations. She has more than 25 years of successful financial management experience in corporate and city government sectors, including multiple roles within Durham Public Schools at schools and central services. She earned a bachelor's in business administration from N.C. Central University. Hunter begins her duties on May 1.

Cokea Demery Named DPS Instructional Assistant of the Year

Congratulations to Cokea Demery of Parkwood Elementary for being awarded the 2023-24 Durham Public Schools Instruction Assistant of the Year! Your dedication and passion for supporting students are truly inspiring. Thank you for all you do!

Esther Glenn Named DPS Media Coordinator of the Year

Congratulations to Esther Glenn of R.N. Harris Elementary School for being named the 2024 Durham Public Schools Media Coordinator of the Year! Your dedication to nurturing a love for reading and learning is truly inspiring. Thank you for all you do!

DSA Student Wins Third Place in Congressional Art Competition

Congratulations to DSA student Lana Olarte for winning third place in the Congressional Art Competition with her piece "Memories of Childhood!" We are thrilled to announce that her artwork will grace Congresswoman Valerie Foushee's Durham office for the next year. Well done, Lana!

DPS Spring Art Show Open at Southpoint Mall

Exciting news! The DPS Spring Art Show is now live at Southpoint Mall Secondary student artwork is captivating visitors until May 4th, with elementary pieces set to dazzle from May 5th to May 18th. Don't miss this showcase of our talented students' creativity!

Student of the Month | April 2024

April Student of the Month Miguel Mateo Perez, also known as Antonio to his teachers, friends, and family, is just being himself, but he is quite the role model at Jordan High School, according to his principal, teachers, and other administrators.

“He is one of my star students this year in ESL Earth Science. Antonio is a diligent student. He is always on time, prepared for class, and excited to learn. Most importantly, Antonio loves to help his classmates. He works with students across all language barriers to help them understand the material, and he is a fantastic group leader," said William Colin Dail, Miguel’s teacher.

Read more about our April Student of the Month by clicking the button below.

Employee Spotlight

Congratulations to our outstanding educators and staff who were recognized at the April 25 Board of Education meeting:

Teacher of the Month   

Amy Nichols, Hillandale Elementary School 

Employee of the Month   

Michael Stevenson, Restorative Practice Coordinator, Oak Grove Elementary School

DPS Game of the Week: Hillside vs. Riverside

Come watch the Hillside Hornets take on the Riverside Pirates in a Varsity softball game on Wednesday, May 1, at 6 p.m. at Hillside High School, 3727 Fayetteville Road. Support our local teams and enjoy a great night out with the family! 

School Spotlight: C.C. Spaulding Elementary School

On April 19, Senator Natalie Murdock inspired the Sidekicks Academy scholars at C.C. Spaulding Elementary, emphasizing civic engagement and leadership. Engaging discussions and a story about Vice President Kamala Harris left our scholars motivated to make a difference. Thank you, Senator Murdock! Special thanks to Principal Hill-Davidson and Grandmaster Freddie McNeil of Sidekicks Academy for helping make this event happen!

Nutrition Spotlight

Here's the latest news from DPS School Nutrition Services:

• On May 2, the menu will feature Northern High School's Flaming Knights Chicken Taquitos recipe, which won first place in the N.C. Junior Chef Competition this spring.
• Local sugar snap peas and strawberries will be coming soon to cafeterias!
• Summer meals will be available June 17-July 26, and this year's menu includes fresh seasonal fruit like watermelon, Athena melons, peaches, and plums, as well as a carne asada torta (delicious beef sandwich), peach and granola parfait, crispy chicken sandwich, veggie wraps, and more. More information, including pick up sites, coming soon.

Please follow the department's new Instagram account (@durhamschoolfood) for more nutrition news!

May Observances

Durham Public Schools celebrates the diversity of our community and is proud to recognize the following observances in the month of May:

Asian American and Pacific Islander Month

Mental Health Awareness Month

Jewish American Heritage Month

Speech Language Pathologist Month

May 1: School Principals Day

May 3: School Lunch Hero Day

May 6-10: Teacher Appreciation Week

May 7: National Teachers Day

May 8: National School Nurse Day

May 16: National Bike to School Day

To share story tips, event announcements, or feedback about the newsletter, please contact the Office of Public Affairs.

511 Cleveland St., P.O. Box 30002

Durham, NC 27702

(919) 560-2000