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Hillside High School principal is New York bound

June 12, 2002 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Calvin Dobbins, Associate Superintendent for Administrative Services, 560-3736 DURHAM--Hillside High School Principal Henry J. Pankey will leave his current position to pursue several career options with New York City Schools. Pankey, who has been principal of Hillside since May 2001, made the decision to return to New York based on his need to exercise his retirement eligibility with the state. Pankey informed Superintendent Ann T. Denlinger last week of his plans to move back to New York. He must exercise his option to retire from the nation’s largest public school system by serving at least five more years there. Hillside High School faculty, staff, students and parents, along with Durham Public Schools Central Services officials, have spent the last year devising an innovative plan for a new, comprehensive instructional program for the school. Pankey said his decision to leave at this time would allow for a smooth transition as the new plan is implemented. "I am extremely grateful to the Hillside community and to Durham Public Schools for the opportunities afforded me here," said Pankey. "I do feel, however, that it is in my best interest and that of the Hillside students, faculty and supporters, that my successor be allowed the opportunity to begin implementation of the new Hillside plan beginning with the 2002-03 school year." Pankey came to Durham Public Schools from New York as principal of Southern High School in July 1998. During his first year the school’s student achievement levels soared from "low performing" to "exemplary" status through the state’s ABC designation. He was Durham Public Schools Principal of the Year in 2000. He was appointed Hillside principal in May 2001. "Durham Public Schools greatly appreciates Henry Pankey’s years of service at Southern and Hillside High Schools. He brought order, stability and an academic focus to Southern, and his leadership at Hillside underscores his commitment to young people," said Denlinger. "We wish him well in all of his future endeavors." ###