DURHAM

Kenneth Barnes
Chief Operating Officer

Kenneth Barnes, Interim Chief Operating Officer, has been named permanent COO, effective July 1. Barnes has nearly 30 years of service to public education, to include teacher, principal, and central services administrator. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from North Carolina Central University; a 6-9 Middle School Mathematics certification; a Master’s in School Administration from North Carolina Central; and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from N.C. State.

"I look forward to continuing in this position and am grateful to Dr. Lewis and the Board of Education for the vote of confidence.”

Sheena J. Cooper
Chief Communications Officer

Sheena J. Cooper, currently serving as Senior Executive Director for Public Affairs, has been named Chief Communications Officer, effective July 1.  With 20 years of experience in communications and marketing, Cooper has served DPS's Office of Public Affairs since July 2020 and was named Senior Executive Director in July 2023.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from North Carolina Central University and is a Goodmon Fellow. 

"I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve the Durham Public Schools community in this role, and I look forward to continuing to share the powerful stories of our students, families, and staff."

Devan Mitchell
Director of School Planning

Devan Mitchell has been named Director of School Planning, effective July 1. Mitchell, who currently serves as School Planning Program Administrator, previously worked as a senior designer and planner, and most recently as Senior Vice President with the Education sector of Cannon Design in Los Angeles.

Mitchell will oversee the district’s Capital Improvement Plan and facilities planning, establishing clear design guidelines based on the recently adopted Learning Environment Guidelines. She will also work closely with the project management team on site designs, building systems, and sustainable design standards.

She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Southern California Institute of Architecture and the University of Southern California.

“I am excited for the pathway ahead, helping to build a strong foundation for our district and our community.  I look forward to being part of a team that embraces possibilities, challenges the status quo, and focuses on what we want to solve, and what we can achieve together," said Mitchell.

Anthony Leak
Director of Logistics, Transportation and Warehouse

Anthony Leak, currently the Assistant Director of Transportation, will serve as Director of Logistics, Transportation and Warehouse starting July 1. Leak has worked with Durham Public Schools for 21 years.

His passion for student transportation and safety began in 2002 as a school bus driver, and he has held the roles of school bus mechanic and transportation maintenance supervisor. In addition to his leadership experience in Durham Public Schools, Leak served as the Director of Transportation for Caswell County Schools.

A proud graduate of Hillside High School and former head baseball coach, Leak earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Liberty University in Business Administration. He currently serves as the District 6 President for the North Carolina Pupil Transportation Association (NCPTA).

"I am truly honored and excited to step into the role,  to lead with purpose, drive innovation, and support the dedicated teams that keep our operations moving efficiently every day. I look forward to building upon our success and shaping a future of excellence in service and logistics," he said.

In response to a need for additional training and Title IX support, a Human Resources   Employee Relations Team has been created under the leadership of Dr. Ayesha Hunter, Senior Executive Director of Employee Relations.  Effective July 1, team members will include Karin Beckett, who will serve as Director of Title IX, Compliance and Training, and Terry Phillips, Director of Employee Relations, Compliance and Training. 

Karin Beckett
Director of Title IX, Compliance and Training

Karin Beckett currently serves as Coordinator of Title IX and Other Forms of Discrimination, Grants, and Donations. She holds two master's degrees– a Master of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Science in Library and Information from North Carolina Central University; a Certificate in Health Informatics, also from North Carolina Central University; and two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Behavioral Sciences and English from Shaw University.

“I’m excited about this new role because it offers the opportunity to take a leadership position where I can shape and strengthen Title IX procedures and training programs. Moving into a director role enables me to have a broader impact on compliance across the organization and to lead initiatives that foster a safer and more equitable environment for our students, staff, and community,” she said.

Terry Phillips
Director of Employee Relations, Compliance and Training

Terry Phillips currently serves as DPS's Director of Classified Professional Development and Beginning Teacher Support, leading professional learning for DPS instructional assistants, bus drivers, school nutrition staff and other classified employees. A career educator, Phillips has served as a principal in DPS as well as an education specialist and teacher. She has a master's degree in education leadership from George Mason University and a Master's in curriculum and instruction from the University of Colorado.