From the Interim Superintendent
We are coming to the end of a school year that was full of challenges and successes.
Durham Public Schools welcomes Dr. Eric J. Becoats, who will assume the Superintendent position on July 1. I know that you will find Dr. Becoats to be a caring, thoughtful leader, who is intent on forging effective relationships with teachers, principals and other staff members. Dr. Becoats comes to us from Guilford County Schools, where he most recently served as Chief Administrative Officer.
The Board of Education has approved a budget for 2010-11 that places student achievement and the retention of as many teaching positions as possible as the top priority. The Board will present the budget to the Durham County Commissioners on May 25.
Congratulations to Takesha Trapp, a fifth-grade teacher at Pearsontown Year-Round Elementary School for being named Durham Public Schools’ 2010-11 Teacher of the Year! Congratulations also to those who were named Teachers of the Year at our individual schools.
Nearly 1,000 emails of gratitude were sent to our teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. Please take a moment to read some examples of parents and students alike showing our teachers just how much they mean to them.
Also, please take a moment to see our latest slate of Staff Appreciation Award winners. We thank these dedicated employees for their hard work and commitment to excellence!
Hillside High School Athletic Director Bob Hill also deserves kudos for receiving the State Award of Merit from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.
Soccer Kids of America is a wonderful organization that helps kids get more motivated in the classroom via positive role models on the soccer field. Please read about this great group and consider giving a little of your time.
The Board of Education recently approved allowing children of DPS magnet school teachers to attend their parents’ school to alleviate transportation issues.
In these challenging budget times, we want you to be aware of every possible resource for the classroom. Please check out the Bright Ideas grants that are now available for classroom innovation.
It has been an honor to serve as your Interim Superitendent this semester and a pleasure to have been associated with Durham Public Schools over the last eight years. I wish you all the best as you continue to strive for success for all students in our district!
