Johnell Daye, III has been appointed Chief Legal Counsel for Durham Public Schools. A member of the Eastern District, Middle District, and the State of North Carolina bars, Daye is a graduate of the North Carolina Central University School of Law. He holds a Master of Science degree in Homeland Security Law and Policy from the University of Kansas School of Law; a certificate in Justice in the Practice of Law; and a Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications from High Point University.

Daye joins DPS from the law firm of Schwartz Law PLLC, where he was an associate attorney and provided legal advice to K-12 public school districts throughout the state. He has a wide breadth of experience, including conducting internal investigations and preparing legal guidance regarding state and federal laws applicable to K-12 public schools districts.

Daye also served as a consumer attorney for Legal Aid of North Carolina. He has also been a legal volunteer for the Lawyer on the Line program and the Elder Law Clinic.

Daye is also a member of the National School Attorneys Association; the N.C. Council of School Attorneys; the National Council of School Attorneys; National Council of School Attorneys; the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services; the N.C. Association of Black lawyers; the 10th Judicial District Bar; and the Wake County Bar Association.

"I am honored and excited for the opportunity to serve as the district's Chief Legal Counsel," Daye said.  "This opportunity represents an exciting next chapter in my career, and I look forward to using my experience to advance the district's mission and contribute to its continued growth and success.” 

Danielle Boyd has been appointed principal of Glenn Elementary School. Boyd has served as the school’s assistant principal for five years. During that time, she helped the school to achieve five consecutive years of increased student proficiency. With 22 years of experience, she began her career as a third-grade teacher and has served as an assistant principal since 2008. During this time, she has directed summer school planning; implemented behavior systems that cut suspensions in half; and provided targeted ELA intervention for students below proficiency.

Boyd touts her strength for building leadership capacity, using data to drive continuous improvement, while also balancing instructional excellence with strong operational management.

She has earned three degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from UNC-Chapel Hill, a Master of School Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill, and an Ed.S. in Executive Leadership from Gardner-Webb University. She is currently working to obtain an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.

“As I enter my sixth year at Glenn, I am honored to continue serving the students, families, and staff who make this community special," Boyd said. "Serving at Glenn has shaped me as a leader by teaching me to listen more closely, trust the strengths of the people around me, and respond thoughtfully to what our students and families need. Together, we will continue making Glenn what it has always been: a great place to be!”

Durham Public Schools welcomes Rhonda Bradley as the new principal of Sandy Ridge Elementary School, effective Oct. 1.

An educator since 2005, Bradley has served as a classroom teacher and teacher leader, instructional facilitator, instructional coach, and most recently, the assistant principal at Eastway Elementary School.

Bradley has led the development of systems that have contributed to schoolwide growth, but just as importantly to her, she considers her leadership style relationship centered. She says she is committed to building collaborative school communities grounded in trust, accountability, and shared responsibility for student success. 

She is also proud to serve as a coach and mentor to others working toward educational leadership. She founded and led “Next Up,” a leadership pipeline program designed to develop aspiring leaders.

“I am honored and excited to serve as the next principal of Sandy Ridge Elementary," Bradley said. "At the heart of my leadership is a simple belief: People thrive when they know they matter. I look forward to building authentic relationships with our students, staff, families, and community partners while listening, observing, and learning from those who know Sandy Ridge best. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to become part of the Sandy Ridge family and to be home with the Stars. Together, we will ensure that every Star is known, valued, supported, and empowered to shine.” 

Bradley graduated from North Carolina Central University and has earned two master's degrees: a Master of Teaching and Learning from Liberty University and a Master of School Administration from NCCU. She is now working toward her doctorate in educational leadership.