DPS Board of Education Announces New Superintendent
April 28, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Michael Yarbrough, Communications Coordinator
Office of Public Affairs, 919-560-2602
DURHAM—His winning combination of educational and executive management experience has led the Durham Public Schools Board of Education to name Dr. Eric J. Becoats as the new Superintendent of Durham Public Schools, effective July 1.
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 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; We have found that leader in Dr. Eric Becoats,” said Board Chair Minnie Forte-Brown. “Having worked with three urban school districts that are considerably larger than ours – two of which are right here in North Carolina – and being very familiar with our communities’ needs and expectations, we are convinced that Dr. Becoats is the perfect choice to lead our schools into this new decade.”
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