Key to Lead Chewning Middle School in Turnaround Effort
June 11, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jackie Ellis, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resource Services
919-560-2353
DURHAM—In the first major change to come under Durham Public Schools’ Design for Accelerated Progress plan of action to improve schools, Riverside High School Principal James F. Key II will become principal of Chewning Middle School effective July 1.
The DAP was developed in response to Judge Howard Manning’s concern about schools facing student achievement challenges in DPS and in other urban school districts in the state. Its intent is to address these challenges head-on through transformative change. Integral to this type of change is an experienced principal with a proven track record of success.
“This is a welcomed challenge for me, and I greatly look forward to working with the staff, students and families at Chewning Middle School,” said Key. “I will greatly miss the wonderful students, staff and families at Riverside, but I fully support DPS’ efforts to address challenges and I am honored to be a part of this very worthy mission.”
Key is a 26-year veteran of Durham Public Schools. He has been Riverside’s principal for six years. Prior to this, he was principal of Carrington Middle School for three years and was principal of Eno Valley Elementary School for three years prior. He previously served as assistant principal at Carrington and assistant to the principal at Riverside High School. He has also taught at Carrington, as well as Chewning Middle School and both Riverside and Northern high schools. He was Teacher of the Year at Chewning in 1987 and at Riverside in 1994.
Key was the Durham Public Schools Principal of the Year in 2008.
In addition to teaching and administration, Key has coached wrestling, lacrosse, football, track and field, and volleyball. He also served as an Executive Officer in the United States Army Reserves.
Key holds a master’s degree in school administration and a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is also an Honor Graduate of the Ordnance Officer’s Basic Course and a graduate of Officer’s Candidate School.
“Jim Key is a seasoned educator who has the knowledge, skill and experience to transform a school. That is why he is the perfect selection for Chewning,” said Chris Bennett, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction. “We look forward to the great things we know he can accomplish and we know that the Chewning teachers and students will thrive under his masterful leadership.”
