Eric Becoats Is New DPS Superintendent
The Durham Public Schools Board of Education has appointed Dr. Eric J. Becoats as the new Superintendent of Durham Public Schools, effective July 1. Dr. Becoats, Chief Administrative Officer and formerly Chief of Staff and Co-Interim Superintendent for Guilford County Schools, replaces former Superintendent Carl Harris, who left in December.
Dr. Becoats says he is looking forward to working with teachers, principals, parents and the community in the service of DPS students.
“Durham has such a wonderful and well-deserved reputation for being strongly committed to public education. That is what attracted me to this role,” said Dr. Becoats. “I will spend the next several months listening, observing and learning about what is important to this district, its teachers, parents and supportive community. I plan to meet with many of you, and to develop strong working relationships.”
Dr. Becoats is Chief Administrative Officer and was formerly Chief of Staff and Co-Interim Superintendent for Guilford County Schools, positions he has held since 2005. He replaces former Superintendent Carl Harris, who left in December to serve as Assistant Secretary of Education for Policy and Strategic Initiatives with the U.S. Department of Education.
Eric Becoats brings a unique blend of executive management in both the public and private sectors to this position. As Chief Administrative Officer in Guilford, he provides oversight and direction related to administrative functions, technology services, instructional technology, strategic planning, human resources and accountability and research.
Prior to his service in Guilford, Dr. Becoats spent seven years with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, serving his last two years there as Assistant Superintendent for Planning and Development. He spent five years serving in a similar capacity for Baltimore City Schools. He also served as Director of Community Economic Development for one of Charlotte’s largest churches.
Dr. Becoats holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a master’s degree in financial planning from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business from Lincoln University.
“The Durham Public Schools Board of Education performed an exhaustive search for a leader who has the kind of educational expertise, strong leadership skills and financial acumen that the students and staff members of Durham Public Schools deserve,” said Board Chair Minnie Forte-Brown. “We have found that leader in Dr. Eric Becoats. Dr. Becoats has a strong and proven track record that demonstrates excellence in both the educational and administrative sides of leading a school district.”
