The Durham Public Schools Board of Education has approved recommendations for school and central services leadership positions.
Dr. Tawauna Stewart
Principal
Rogers-Herr Middle School
Dr. Tawauna Stewart will transition to permanent principal of Rogers-Herr Middle School effective immediately. She has been an integral leader within the Rogers-Herr community since 2017 previously serving as an an assistant principal at the school. Under Dr. Stewart’s direct leadership, Rogers-Herr’s 2023-2024 sixth grade Math EOG proficiency increased from 67.6% to 70.0% and sixth grade Reading proficiency increased from 65.3% to 67.8%.
She has served DPS for nearly 20 years, beginning her tenure as a teacher at Pearsontown Elementary. Dr. Stewart earned her Master of School Administration from N.C. Central University and her doctorate in educational leadership from High Point University.
“Every day when I walk through the halls of Rogers-Herr Middle School, I'm reminded that we're not just shaping students' academic journeys. We're helping to shape their character, dreams, and future, said Dr. Stewart. “There's no greater privilege than witnessing our young scholars discover their potential, and I'm grateful to serve alongside dedicated educators who pour their hearts into making each child's middle school experience transformative.”
Kimberly Hager
Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources
Kimberly Hager has been named Assistant Superintendent for Human Resource Services, effective January 3. Hager has served as Senior Executive Director of Human Resource Services since August 2010. She also served briefly as Interim Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources.
Hager is a proponent of cross-collaboration among departments and consistent communication to achieve district goals. Her aim is to rebuild trust in the department’s ability to connect employees with the people and resources needed to perform their jobs with excellence and efficiency.
Hager has worked for the New York City Department of Education as Director of Enrollment, and the San Francisco Unified School District as an Assistant Manager in the Educational Placement Center. In those roles, she managed daily operations, led the development of policies and procedures, monitored student assignment data, and implemented marketing strategies to promote schools and programs. Additionally, she worked for Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories, Inc., in South San Francisco, CA as a Compensation & Benefits Analyst, staffing manager, and recruitment coordinator. She’s also a former classroom teacher who brings her experience as an educator to the role.
“As a product of Durham City Schools, from Lakewood Elementary School to Fayetteville Street, Rogers-Herr Middle, and Hillside High School, it is not only a privilege but an absolute honor to serve as the next Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for Durham Public Schools,” said Hager. “I am committed to providing unwavering support to our staff and schools by leading with a culture of hospitality and customer service and collaborating with dedicated stakeholders across this great school district. Together, we will face challenges, seize opportunities, and embrace transformation, all while continuing to focus on igniting the limitless potential of every student and ensuring that DPS remains a school district of choice for all,” said Hager.
She is a graduate of North Carolina Central University (B.A., Education) and a graduate of Human Resource Management at San Francisco State University.
Rubhean Barfield
Senior Executive Director, Financial Services
As part of the finance department's reorganization, Rubhean Barfield has been named Senior Executive of Financial Services. He currently serves as DPS's Executive Director of Budget and Data Analysis. Barfield joined DPS in May and possesses a deep understanding of financial principles, practices, and procedures. In this role, he will provide additional oversight in the finance department and work to improve processes and optimize resources to support student outcomes.
He is skilled in conducting financial analyses, managing budgets, overseeing audits, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Prior to joining DPS, Barfield served as senior financial planning analyst for Trane Technologies. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University.
"I am honored to step into this leadership role with Durham Public Schools and grateful for the support I've received from my colleagues since joining the district," said Barfield. "I remain committed to the success of our students and excited to contribute to Dr. Lewis's vision of making DPS the premier school district in the country. I am confident we can make a meaningful impact and help all students thrive."
Lori Blake-Reid
Executive Director,
Construction, Capital Planning, and Sustainability
Lori Blake-Reid has spent more than 30 years in capital planning, construction management, financial management, and solid technical expertise. She also has experience in energy and sustainability, maintenance, and operations as well as real property and space management.
"I am extremely excited to join Durham Public Schools and the Construction and Sustainability team in providing quality school buildings to meet the educational needs of the Durham community. I stand ready to collaborate with staff to evaluate long and short-term goals to facilitate and develop Facility Master Plans that support the DPS mission. As a Durham native and a product of Durham Public Schools, it will be my honor to serve in this role and give back to the community that nurtured and empowered my education and talents."
Blake brings to the role her experience in project implementation, completion and handover with proven success in developing high-performance teams and increased project and service delivery. As an interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management at North Carolina Central University, Blake-Reid managed capital planning, design, construction, real estate operations, maintenance, motor fleet, emergency response, and energy and utilities. During her tenure as an interim, she improved capital project delivery and procurement services for planned projects. She also led the restructuring of operations, maintenance and fleet, adding a business services unit to provide high-quality, timely services to internal and external customers. She has managed the campus’ six-year, $300 million Capital Projects Plan.
Blake-Reid has also served as a director of building services for Duke University; director of facilities operations for NCCU; and, a Facility Operations manager with the City of Durham.
She is a graduate of NC A&T State University and has earned certification in facilities engineering management and project management.
