DURHAM

Dr. Quincey Farmer

Principal, Fayetteville Street Elementary

Dr. Quincey Farmer has been named Principal of Fayetteville Street Elementary School, effective July 1. Recognized this year as DPS Assistant Principal of the Year, Dr. Farmer has served in assistant principal roles at Forest View and C.C. Spaulding elementary schools over a span of four years. He’s also taught at Bethesda and Pearsontown elementary schools. Dr. Farmer was a co-founder of the DPS EL Prep Academy, which resulted in increases in proficiency scores and family engagement among English Language Learners. 

He began his career in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) as a teacher at Seawell Elementary and Rashkis Elementary Schools. He also served as an Advanced Academics Specialist in CHCCS where he co-authored the district’s extension curriculum and served on a committee to design and implement practices, which led to an increase in participation in advanced academic programs across underrepresented subgroups.

Dr. Farmer is an advocate for advancing global awareness and cultural competencies among scholars. His international experience includes two years of teaching English as a Foreign Language in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China. Additionally, he has represented North Carolina’s Public Schools in Chile and South Korea facilitating professional development and cultural immersion experiences for North Carolina educators and collaborating and consulting with administrators, educators, and business leaders within these countries with GoGlobal NC. 

Dr. Farmer earned his Doctorate of Education from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development. He holds a Master of School Administration degree and post-baccalaureate degree in Elementary Education from North Carolina Central University with Summa Cum Laude distinctions. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a degree in English Literature. Dr. Farmer is also an alumnus of DPS, having earned his diploma from the City of Medicine Academy, which was then housed at Southern Durham High School. 

“I am thrilled to begin my principalship at Fayetteville Street Elementary, home of the Mighty Lions! I’m committed to building on the school’s strong foundation by fostering academic excellence, meaningful community engagement, and celebrating the unique talents of every student. Together, we will create a vibrant, first-choice learning environment that every Lion can proudly call home. We are the PRIDE of Durham! One Team, One Dream; Every Student, Every Day,” said Dr. Farmer.

Shea Neville

Principal, Lakewood Montessori Middle

Shea R. Neville has been appointed principal of Lakewood Montessori Middle School, effective July 1, 2025. Neville has served as Lakewood Montessori Middle’s assistant principal since 2021, helping to lead the school to its status as highest performing school in the district.

“My view is that all students can learn, given an atmosphere that welcomes exploration and enhances student confidence. Building a team of educators who actually believe in the achievement of their students and encouraging families to expect academic achievement will highlight my work as an instructional leader,” he said.

Neville has strong Montessori roots, having served as assistant principal at George Watts Montessori for three years. His leadership has directly contributed to Lakewood Montessori’s overall success and he has demonstrated a proven ability to drive student achievement, foster staff collaboration, and promote an inclusive and empowering school culture.  

Neville has experience as a school counselor at Brogden Middle School, and was a School Improvement Grant project administrator at Merrick-Moore Elementary School. Notable accomplishments during his tenure as an educator include the implementation of restorative practices that reduced out-of-school suspensions to zero for two years, and utilizing instructional collaborations at Watts Montessori that targeted minority academic improvement and brought the school’s letter grade from a C to a B.

In addition to earning his academic credentials– a Master of School Administration, a Master of Arts in School Counseling, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from North Carolina Central University– Neville prides himself on his Durham roots. He brings strategic and cultural leadership skills to his new role, with a commitment to team-building and teacher empowerment. Neville also has a background in instructional leadership, data-driven decision-making, and staff empowerment. 

“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. While Lakewood’s commitment to collaborative learning continues to inspire me, I look forward to working with our dedicated staff, families, and students to continue fostering a supportive Montessori environment,” said Neville.

Ajeesh Cherin

Director of Information Technology

Ajeesh Cherin, currently serving as a district Systems Administrator, has been named Director of Information Technology effective July 1. Cherin’s dedication, global expertise, and leadership elevates the role’s reliability, continuity and efficiency.

A 14-year veteran of networking and IT support, Cherin is known for anticipating challenges and implementing strategic improvements. He is also skilled in fostering team collaboration and innovation while making data-driven decisions that have enhanced IT operations throughout the district.

Cherin also serves as a Science volunteer with the district’s K-5 Saturday Academy.

"What drew me to this new role is DPS’s unwavering commitment to equity in technology. That mission deeply resonates with me. I believe technology should be a bridge, not a barrier and I’m passionate about using it to empower every student, teacher, and staff member across our district."

Cherin holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Science from Karunya University in India, and is certified in Cisco Routing and Switching. He is also a Microsoft Certified Solution Associate and a Cisco Certified Network Associate.

Ken Hill

Ken Hill has been named Director of Exceptional Children, effective July 1. Hill has an extensive background spanning 16 years in special education, including experience as an EC Director with specific knowledge of needs particular to middle and high schools. Hill is joining Durham Public Schools from Harrisonburg City Public Schools, where he currently has oversight for federal, state, and local budgets; developing professional learning opportunities for special education and general education staff; and improving inclusive practices for students with disabilities in the general education classroom.

“This opportunity represents a powerful step forward in my commitment to equity, advocacy, and innovation in special education. I'm honored to join a district that values inclusive excellence and is dedicated to supporting every learner’s success. I look forward to collaborating with educators, families, and students across Durham Public Schools to create transformative outcomes and a strong foundation for all secondary learners with exceptional needs. Let's get to work,” said Hill.

Hill has a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science Secondary Education and a Master of Arts in Cross Categorical Special Education from Appalachian State University.

Dr. Michelle Tuck Thomas

Director of Assessment and Accountability

Dr. Michelle Tuck Thomas has been promoted from Testing and Accountability Specialist to Director of Assessment and Accountability, effective July 1. In this role, she will oversee district, state, and federal assessments and ensure compliance with accountability models.

Dr. Thomas has been instrumental in creating current district testing protocols, data integrity, and communication processes, and manages complex tasks with accuracy and timeliness. She will expand upon her ability to develop and implement district-wide programs, train and support school leaders, and ensure secure and ethical testing practices.

“I am ecstatic to continue serving Durham Public Schools, the community that has influenced me as an educational leader throughout my career. In my new role, I am confident that the Office of Assessments will continue providing timely information to stakeholders as we work collaboratively to improve outcomes for our students, our schools, and DPS,” said Dr. Thomas.

Dr. Thomas is a career educator, having served as an assistant principal, teacher, presenter, community college-level instructor, and curriculum developer. She was named Teacher of the Year at Brogden Middle School in 2001.

She has completed coursework at EVAAS University, and has earned her certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Dr. Thomas earned her doctorate of Educational Leadership from High Point University; a Master of School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and two bachelor degrees from North Carolina Central University: a Bachelor of Arts in Middle Grades Education and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics.