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DURHAM -- Carl Harris, Durham's public school superintendent, announced Nov. 2 that he would leave at year's end to take a job with the U.S. Department of Education.
Harris' departure, to become deputy assistant secretary for policy and strategic initiatives in the Obama administration, surprised most Durhamites. The superintendent informed board members the night before he announced he was stepping down.
Harris succeeded Ann Denlinger as superintendent in 2006. The change in executives, in conjunction with a school board election the same year, helped end a series of confrontational board meetings at the Fuller Building at which some people were arrested.
"Dr. Harris leaves a school system that has improved academic achievement, a significantly lower dropout rate and a slate of new schools that offer support targeted to specific student needs," Minnie Forte-Brown, the current school board chairwoman, said in the release that announced Harris' resignation. "Durham's loss is definitely our nation's gain."
"Carl was an extraordinary leader here in Durham for our educational system," said Michael Page, the chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, shortly after the announcement. "I think it's a compliment to Durham that he's being sought after nationally. We're really losing a jewel."
"I think he did a tremendous job during the time he served, not just as superintendent but as deputy superintendent," Mayor Bill Bell said.
Hank Hurd, the district's chief operating officer, will serve as interim superintendent. He declared within minutes of being appointed that he did not intend to make any major changes. One priority will be preparing the 2010-11 budget.
The school board decided Dec. 1 that it would engage the North Carolina School Boards Association to run its search for a new superintendent. The goal is to select Harris' successor by mid-April and have the individual take office no later than July 1.
Durham educators have already held a meeting to gather public input on qualities sought in the next superintendent. The district has been distributing English and Spanish-language surveys in print and online, along with a separate questionnaire prepared for public school system employees. The public surveys can be obtained by visiting www.dpsnc.net or by calling 560-3652; they are also available at school offices and public libraries.
Public surveys are due back Jan. 21, which is also the cutoff for group or organizational statements about the next superintendent to be faxed to the School Boards Association in care of Allison Schafer at 841-4020.
The school board has also scheduled a public comment period on the same topic at its Jan. 28 meeting.
