The Board approved leadership appointments for schools and central services departments ahead of the 2026-27 school year.

School Leaders

Dr. Katherine Blackburn has been appointed principal of Club Boulevard Elementary School, effective July 1.

Dr. Blackburn says her passion for serving all students equitably is what convinced her to choose education as a career. She spent the first 12 years of her educational career in Title I schools which gave her a strong foundation in continuous improvement work. As an educator, Dr. Blackburn describes herself as collaborative, an analyzer, and a team player. She identifies indicators of success as trust within the community, positive Teacher Working Conditions survey data, and decreased academic achievement gaps with proficiency gains for all groups of students.

She has experience as a classroom teacher on multiple grade levels and has successfully served as an Assistant Principal at Pearsontown Elementary. As an administrator there, she coordinated an English Learner Academy and implemented restorative practices to support improved student behavior. 

Dr. Blackburn served as a Multi-Tiered System of Supports and Data Facilitator at Eno Valley Elementary, where she played a major role in helping the school to exceed growth and place in the top 15 percent of school growth in the state in 2021-2022.

She was also one of only 25 teachers chosen from North Carolina as a State Policy Fellow and Senior State Policy Fellow for Teach Plus in California. 

Dr. Blackburn earned her doctorate from UNC-Chapel Hill, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Brown University, and her Bachelor of Arts in Government and International Relations with a Minor in Special Education for Students with Mild Disabilities.

She believes that Club Boulevard is a special community that supports student potential.

“Club Boulevard's commitment to belonging and community is what makes it such a special place. I am honored to join that tradition and excited to partner with students, staff, and families as we build on the school’s strengths and create the opportunities and support that every student needs to thrive,” said Blackburn.

Dr. Lanisha Hinton has been named the next principal of Pearsontown Elementary School, effective July 1.

Dr. Hinton currently serves as principal of Sandy Ridge Elementary School, where she has built a reputation for fostering academic excellence, cultivating strong school-community partnerships, and creating supportive learning environments for students and staff. Under her leadership, Sandy Ridge exceeded academic growth from 2017-2024.

Dr. Hinton earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Winston-Salem State University and a Master of School Administration from N.C. State University. She completed her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at Gardner-Webb University and attained a Superintendent Licensure.

Before becoming a principal, Dr. Hinton served as an assistant principal at Sandy Ridge. She has also held roles as an assistant principal in Vance County, elementary teacher, PLC facilitator, grade level chairperson, leadership team member, and W.A.R. program director. She brings a commitment to student achievement and a belief in the power of collaboration and community.

She was nominated for Durham Public Schools Principal of the Year in 2024-25 and in 2025-26. She was named the 2015 N.C. Association of Educators Assistant Principal of the Year and the 2015 Vance County Assistant Principal of the Year. She was also named Teacher of the Year in Vance County twice.

"I am incredibly honored and excited to join the Pearsontown Elementary family as your new principal. I look forward to building strong relationships with our students, staff, families, and community as we work together to create a school where every child thrives and succeeds," Dr. Hinton said.

Kristin Tate will serve as principal of Y. E. Smith Elementary School, effective August 1. Tate brings a wealth of transformational experience to Y.E. Smith, most notably 20 years as a proven educator who is committed to student growth, development, and academic excellence. Tate began her teaching career at Y.E. Smith as a third grade teacher. She returned in 2007 to serve as a curriculum specialist and academic coach.  

“Great schools are built on high expectations, meaningful relationships, and a belief that every child can achieve at high levels. I am excited to return to Y.E. Smith and work alongside the students, families, and staff to continue building a legacy of hope and excellence,” she said.

Under her leadership, Oak Grove Elementary School exceeded expected growth for four consecutive years and established a culture grounded in high expectations, collaboration, and continuous improvement. While at Hope Valley Elementary, the school exceeded growth status as well for two consecutive years. She implemented instructional practices there that led to high student growth for three consecutive years. 

Tate earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from North Carolina Central University. She has also earned a Master's in School Administration in Education Administration and Supervision from North Carolina Central University. She has an EdS in Education Administration and Supervision from Jones International University and is currently enrolled as a doctoral student in the curriculum and instruction program at Gardner-Webb University.

She has professional certifications in K-6 NC Teaching and NC Principal Licensure.  She also completed the Department of Public Instruction’s Distinguished Leaders’ Program in 2019 and was the Sertoma Educator of the Year in 2018.

Raymond Robinson has been appointed to lead Shepard Middle School and will return to Durham Public Schools on August 1. Robinson brings a proven record of improving student outcomes, strengthening staff engagement, and building positive school cultures. Under Robinson’s leadership as a principal in Person County, chronic absenteeism was reduced through strategic attendance analysis and family engagement initiatives. During his previous tenure with Durham Public Schools, he served as an assistant principal and helped implement teacher support and staff recognition programs that enhanced school climate and collaboration reinforcing a culture of value and voice.

Robinson also served as a high school mathematics teacher before becoming an administrator and was a multiple-time nominee for Assistant Principal of the Year.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina Central University and his Master's of School Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill.

"I am truly excited and honored for the opportunity to lead Shepard Middle School and return home to Durham Public Schools. Shepard has a rich history of excellence, and I look forward to working alongside our students, staff, families, and community to build upon that strong foundation and propel Shepard Middle School to even greater success,” said Robinson.

Rashard Lee-Worthy has been appointed to serve as the next principal of Hillside High School.

Lee-Worthy is no stranger to the Hillside community. He previously served as an assistant principal at Hillside from 2016-2024 – and he is also a Hillside alum. He returns with a strong understanding of the school’s culture, traditions, and commitment to excellence.

While serving as an assistant principal, Lee-Worthy helped to reduce short-term suspensions, expand Career and Technical Education opportunities, and implement the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to support academic and behavioral growth.

"Hillside has always held a special place in my heart, and I am honored to return as its principal," Lee-Worthy said. "This school helped shape who I am, and I am excited to give back to the community that invested in me. Together with our dedicated staff, students, families, and alumni, we will continue to foster a culture of excellence, opportunity, and belonging where every student is empowered to reach their full potential."

Lee-Worthy has also served as an elementary and middle school Healthful Living teacher and as a qualified behavioral health professional.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and a Master’s in School Administration from N.C. Central University.

District Leaders

Tammy Diaz has been appointed to serve as Director of Staffing for Human Resources, effective July 1. She currently serves as an HR administrator, staffing coordinator, and analyst in the department.

Diaz has served in the Durham Public Schools Human Resources department since 2013 in various roles, supporting staffing, contracts, payroll coordination, employment verification, and many more important functions. She spearheaded the design, implementation, and oversight of the department’s application systems to streamline operations and enhance reporting accuracy.

“Excited is an understatement. I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve as Director of Staffing for Durham Public Schools,” she said. “I’m looking forward to building meaningful relationships, supporting our schools, and making a positive impact across the district.”

Before joining Human Resources, Diaz served as a data manager at several schools throughout the district. She has also held administrative and human resources roles at GlaxoSmithKline, GlaxoWellcome, and Guardsmark Inc.

Diaz earned a Bachelor of Science in Business with a management concentration from the University of Phoenix. She also earned a Master of Arts in Leadership from Grand Canyon University.

Jason Rebman has been named Director of Salary Administration for Human Resources, effective July 1. Rebman currently serves as a staffing coordinator for the department.

Rebman previously served as an Assistant Principal for Northern High School, where he produced staffing plans, monitored staff licensure, and completed staff evaluations, among other human resources management. In that role, he also served as a Beginning Teacher Mentor Advisor and an AdvancED (Cognia) Accreditation Lead. He completed his administrative internship at Daniels Magnet Middle School in Raleigh.

Before becoming an administrator, Rebman served as a high school science teacher.

“I am deeply grateful to my Human Resources colleagues for welcoming me to their team two years ago,” Rebman said. “I am honored to continue serving the staff and students of DPS in this new role and look forward to collaborating with colleagues across departments to ensure accurate, reliable data is readily available to support informed decision-making.”

Rebman holds a bachelor’s degree in Science Education from East Carolina University and a Master’s in School Administration from N.C. State University.

Roderick Spears has been named Director of Benefits for Durham Public Schools, effective July 1.

Spears brings more than 25 years of experience in human resources, benefits administration, payroll, and customer service to the role. Since joining Durham Public Schools in 2025 as Benefits Coordinator, he has overseen employee health and wellness plans, led annual enrollment and employee leave programs, and partnered with internal and external stakeholders to enhance benefits services and support for employees and their families.

Prior to joining Durham Public Schools, Spears held benefits and human resources positions with Xerox Corporation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, Ceridian Corporation, and Mellon HR Solutions, and Electronic Data Solutions (EDS). Throughout his career, he has developed expertise in benefits administration, payroll operations, compliance, and employee relations.

“I am thrilled to begin the role of Benefits Director with Durham Public Schools,” said Spears. “I am excited for the opportunity to serve the employees of DPS and contribute to the district's mission of supporting student success through a strong and dedicated workforce. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues, building meaningful relationships, and helping enhance the benefits programs that support our staff and their families.”

Spears earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from North Carolina Central University.

Dr. Joshua Mallory has been appointed Director of Employee Relations, effective July 1.

Dr. Mallory is an experienced educational leader with a background in school administration and instructional leadership. He most recently served as principal of Hillside High School. Prior to joining DPS, he served as a school administrator in the Wayne County Public Schools, Wake County Public School System, and Bertie County Schools.

Throughout his career, he has led efforts focused on instructional excellence, student success, and positive school culture. He holds a Master of School Administration from Elizabeth City State University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Fayetteville State University.

"As I transition from serving as principal of Hillside High School to a new role within Durham Public Schools’ Human Resources Department, I carry with me the lessons learned from students, families, educators, and colleagues who have shaped my journey. I am honored to continue serving DPS in a new capacity—supporting the recruitment, development, and retention of the exceptional people who make our schools thrive. While my role is changing, my commitment remains the same: to ensure every student has access to outstanding educators and every employee feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed,” he said.

Dr. Jennifer Hall joins DPS Central Services as the Director of School Innovation, effective July 1. She succeeds Ashley Stephens who accepted a position in another district.

Dr. Hall brings her experience and successful track record as an instructional leader to this role, most recently having served as principal of Club Boulevard Elementary School. She believes in working alongside school and district leaders to bring the school’s mission and goals to life, and nurturing teacher growth with a talent-based approach.

Twice named a teacher of the year at schools where she worked, Dr. Hall earned her Master’s degree with concentrations in K-12 ESL and K-12 Reading from Meredith College, and her doctorate in Educational Leadership from UNC-Chapel Hill. She also has a K-12 ESL certification from N.C. State University.

She is the recipient of the National Education Finance Academy Emerging Scholar Award. 

"I am excited to serve as the Director of School Innovation, and I am honored to serve our DPS community through this role. I look forward to collaborating with school and district leaders while fostering continuous improvement to support our students and schools," Dr. Hall said.