Back to School 2012-2013

Traditional schools are back in session!

Last year was a great year for Durham Public Schools. Test scores and graduation rates continued to improve. Our Class of 2012 earned over $24 million in scholarships. A group of middle school students enjoyed a live conversation via uplink to astronauts at the International Space Station. The Carolina Panthers provided a complete makeover to one of our high school weight rooms. The list goes on.

But as great as 2011-12 was, the coming year promises to be even better!

It began on Monday, August 27 when DPS traditional-calendar schools opened for students (our year-round schools started on July 16). Superintendent Eric J. Becoats visited three schools to tour classrooms, greet students, parents and staff, and even direct traffic. Members of the media joined him for pictures and interviews.

The tour began at 6:45 a.m. with a visit to Northern High. Dr. Becoats then journeyed to Hillandale Elementary and finally to Brogden Middle, where a media briefing was conducted. Three television stations and two newspapers were in attendance.

Dr. Becoats discussed new initiatives for the 2012-13 school year – including an exciting new program that will allow students to report school concerns anonymously. It is called Text-A-Tip. He also provided an update on the progress of the Magic Johnson Bridgescape Academy which opened on the Performance Learning Center campus.

Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Tina Hester provided a staffing update. She indicated that the school district is 98% staffed, interviews for vacant positions are taking place and she expects all positions to be filled by the end of the first week of school. Highly qualified substitutes are in place where needed.

Assistant Superintendent of Operational Services Hugh Osteen provided updates on transportation, construction/planning and child nutrition services. He noted that Durham Public Schools uses 257 buses to transport approximately 19,000 student riders. He also told us that our cafeterias prepare and serve approximately 5,300 breakfasts and 20,000 lunches each day.

Chief of Staff Dr. Lewis Ferebee offered a teaching and learning update. He reminded us of the new Common Core and Essential Standards. He also spoke about summer institutes for teachers, instructional planning progress, and how the district is working to improve literacy rates and address under-performing subgroups.

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Back to School 2012-2013