Durham Public Schools Launches One Vision. One Durham.

New Strategic Plan will provide roadmap for district for next 10 years

View Superintendent Becoats' address live via Web stream

Wednesday, January 26, 6 p.m. at dpsnc.net

DURHAM, N.C., Jan. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Superintendent Dr. Eric J. Becoats unveiled Durham Public Schools' new strategic plan tonight before nearly 400 people gathered at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center.

"Any time I see a leader change the culture of an organization, city or nation, there is always a strategic plan," said Becoats in his introduction. He continued, "We are here tonight because Durham Public Schools is about to do things differently, and we expect very different results."

Implementing the theme "One Durham - One Vision," the new strategic plan is designed to improve student achievement and prepare every student for life after high school. This plan, when successfully implemented by school leaders and the Durham community, will guide teaching and learning to new heights.

"This plan does not belong to the district. It belongs to the community," said Becoats. "It will only succeed with the full support of our community."

The plan contains six areas of focus: Academic Acceleration, Communications and Partnerships, Equitable Standards, Effective Operations, Talent Development, and Wellness and Safety. These six components are accompanied by 24 goals and 120 strategies.

The goals and strategies were commended by business leaders for being both specific and measurable.

"Yes, these strategies are sensible and attainable, but I like the fact that we can hold our school leaders accountable for the specifics," said Victor Velazquez of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. "At any point, we should be able to find a status report showing the progress in each area."

Innovation and transformation were highlighted. One shining example is the district's focus on STEAM. Whereas school districts across the country are highlighting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) instruction, Durham is including an arts focus.

"One of the first things I realized on the Listening & Learning Tour was how vital the arts are to this community," claimed Becoats. "Technology and arts can be integrated for the educational well-being of the whole child. Children should never be forced to choose one or the other."

Becoats arrived in Durham on July 1, taking the helm of North Carolina's eighth largest school district. He immediately embarked on a Listening & Learning Tour aimed at meeting members of the community and gathering important feedback that would be used in the design of a new strategic plan. Over 4,400 community members and staff shared input in a plan that will serve as the school district's roadmap to excellence.

Business partners who supported the Strategic Plan efforts include AICPA, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC, Capitol Broadcast Company, Cisco, Frontier Communications, GlaxoSmithKline, The Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, Merck, North Carolina Biotechnology Center, NWN, Rella:Cowan Advertising, Savvy Event Designs, SunTrust and Wachovia.

To watch the Superintendent's presentation online, view the entire Strategic Plan, or for more information, visit Durham Public Schools' Strategic Plan website at http://dpsnc.net/stratplan/.

SOURCE Durham Public Schools