Durham Public Schools

Northside High senior Farrah Dorch getting to open at the state of schools address before Superintendent Doctor Anthony Lewis took the stage.

The state of Durham Public Schools is strong and getting stronger.

Time flies as she hopes to study music in college.

Looking back on her time at DPS is setting her up for success.

And so as we think about where we've been since the pandemic, proficiency rates continue to increase.

Farrah's mom Ebony says she's also seen that support at Ferris High School and at her younger brother's elementary school.

It's been great, and especially with Durham Public Schools, you know, they really helped out, especially, like he said, with the Early Head Start program.

My baby's in Early Head Start, and it's also been helpful because my baby's autistic, so the special needs and getting the extra help.

Northside High Senior Farrah Dortch getting to open at the State of Schools address before Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis took the stage.

The state of Durham Public Schools is strong and getting stronger.

Time flies as she hopes to study music in college, looking back on her time at DPS as setting her up for success.

I feel like being a student, I witnessed a lot of the stuff that he mentioned firsthand from my freshman year, how much this school has improved.

He says he's grateful for what Durham County has been able to do, but at a certain point, the state can do more.

We are so grateful for our partnership with our Durham County officials.

They've looked up under every cushion and couch to help support our work in Durham Public Schools.

But he says overall he's excited for what this new school year will bring.

I like to fact check myself.

Um, Durham City Schools, which I attended, were 89% Black.

So I was the minority.

I was in, uh, these schools, and they were, you know...

They really were.

Yeah.

Uh, there were Durham County schools which were much whiter, and then there were Durham City Schools, and they were, they did have fewer resources.

Nicole Hannah-Jones's child's school is funded at the level of $50,000 per- ... kid.

And then I think, last but not least, I think It's a good representation of some of the coordination and systems capacity building work we're doing.

We've partnered really closely with Durham Public Schools and Durham Tech to expand what we're calling dual attainment here, which is really dual enrollment that is path to a credential at the community college so that students are graduating both with a high school degree And a credential that gives them access to a quality job immediately.

And we're really excited about that work.

There's some great leadership behind it.

Good afternoon, Mayor Pro Tem and the counselors.

My name is Mary Lou Flowers, retired Durham Public Schools art teacher, and it is my privilege to serve on the Durham Cultural Advisory Board.

While I have been on this board for less than a year, I have witnessed the work, vision, and dedication that has brought us to this moment when you will hear the cultural roadmap presentation this afternoon.

I have seen a community determined to create more than just another plan.