Blog

DURHAM, NC (WNCN) — In an announcement Saturday, Durham Public Schools said it has hired a new superintendent after a months-long search.

In a unanimous vote, the DPS School Board appointed Dr. Anthony S. Lewis to a four-year term beginning August 12 and ending June 30, 2028, the school district said in its announcement.

The previous DPS director, Dr. Pascal Mubenga, resigned in February due to salary disputes within the staff. Former Wake County Public Schools superintendent Catty Quiroz Moore has since served as interim director.

During months of searching and hours of consultation with input from staff and the community, four finalists were selected from more than 100 applicants, according to the district.

“They were then interviewed by a special community panel appointed by the board, which got to know these candidates and cast their vote for the top candidate,” the district explained. “Panel members signed a non-disclosure agreement to ensure privacy, confidentiality and fidelity.”

“The Board of Education is proud of the outcome of this work. We took additional steps to ensure that the qualities of our next superintendent were chosen by the people he would serve,” said BOE Chair Bettina Umstead. “As a board, we were confident that our newly appointed leader must bring empirical evidence that he has promoted student achievement, is committed to equity and diversity, and has a flair for administration that would take this district from good to great. Dr. Lewis’ proven track record and experience matched the high standards we and the community hold for this district’s performance.”

Introducing: Dr. Anthony S. Lewis

In its announcement, DPS said Dr. Anthony S. Lewis has served as superintendent of Lawrence Public Schools in Lawrence, Kansas, since 2018.

During his 22 years as an educator, Dr. Lewis was responsible for the following duties, according to district officials:

• Special education teacher and principal of an elementary school in Montgomery, Alabama
• Principal, elementary school principal, and assistant superintendent in the Kansas City School District, Missouri
• Superintendent of Lawrence Public Schools in Lawrence

According to DPS, during his tenure as Superintendent of Lawrence Public Schools, Dr. Lewis facilitated the development and implementation of the district’s first equal opportunity policy.

“He said the systems were designed to empower all educators so the work can take root,” the district said. “One of the most visible impacts has been the district’s highest increase in 16 years in graduation rates and closing the achievement gap between white and black students.”

“I do this work to improve outcomes for all students,” he said.

According to DPS, Dr. Lewis says the key core values ​​that guide his work are a “laser-like focus” on each individual student and the fact that teachers have the greatest influence on student outcomes.

Dr. Lewis said he learned the critical importance of personalized education from his grandmother, who was a hands-on cafeteria manager for 40 years, district officials said.

He said she greeted each student for breakfast every day and that her conscious actions demonstrated “the power of that first adult” and how “what we say or don’t say can affect their day.”

“All adults can show appreciation to our students and make them feel seen and heard. Now they are ready to learn,” said Dr. Lewis.

He added that investing in teachers and teaching assistants was a priority.

Dr. Lewis was also recognized as one of the “Superintendents to Watch” by the National School Public Relations Association in September 2020 and was appointed to the Kansas African American Affairs Commission by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly in November 2019.

“He has helped develop policies that address policy concerns of the African American community and fostered partnerships with state agencies, businesses and foundations,” county officials said. “In addition, he is actively involved in programs, grants and research. In June 2020, Governor Laura Kelly appointed Dr. Lewis to the Commission on Racial Equity and Justice and charged him with studying and addressing issues of racial equity and justice in Kansas, with a particular focus on law enforcement-community relations.”

According to DPS, Dr. Lewis earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Education in Special Education as well as a certificate in educational leadership from Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama.

They said he subsequently completed the Instructional Leadership Academy at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, and pursued a Doctor of Philosophy degree in educational leadership and policy analysis at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri.

According to DPS, he also successfully completed the Urban Superintendents Academy of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA)/The School Superintendents Association in conjunction with Howard University.

In the district’s announcement, Dr. Lewis shared the following message:

“I am thrilled to be selected as the next Superintendent of Durham Public Schools. My education, extensive experience, deep commitment to student achievement and community involvement, and track record of success have prepared me to lead Durham Public Schools,” said Dr. Lewis. “While many great things are happening in this district, I am ready to work to continue and accelerate those successes. The community also recognizes that some challenges remain that we must and will address head-on.

With the support of the Durham Public Schools Board of Education, I am confident that together we can guide our 31,333 students and 5,054 staff members. Our goal is to create an environment where every student not only develops a love of learning and intellectual curiosity, but also envisions a future filled with incredible and limitless possibilities. This ultimately ensures that Durham Public Schools is the best school district in the country.”

Dr. Anthony S. Lewis, newly appointed Superintendent of Durham Public Schools

DPS said Dr. Lewis will be officially introduced to the county and Durham communities at a press conference later this summer.