Lead storyteller. Game designer and journalist. Recovering Floridian. Email: southpointaccessnews@gmail.com.
News
Dr. Kecia Rogers, principal of Rogers-Herr Middle School, on March 1 becomes the assistant superintendent for middle schools in Durham Public Schools. According to DPS, Rogers-Herr has consistently met or exceeded growth under her leadership. She’s a product of the district and worked as a teacher at Southwest Elementary
Development
The Durham Planning Commission on Tuesday voted 12-0 against a proposal to build the Sheffield Farms project off Farrington Mill Road. The City Council will take that vote under advisement when it considers the proposal on March 18. However, the board recommended 8-5 to move Leigh Valley to the City
![[FLASH POLL RESULT] Who Deserves the Most Blame for DPS Disruptions?](/content/images/size/w600/wordpress/2024/02/spafebflashpoll-DPS-Blame.png)
SoDu We Poll Results
On Feb. 12, 2024, Southpoint Access encouraged readers to participate in a flash poll about recent school disruptions in Durham Public Schools after classified workers learned their increased pay structure was at risk of being rolled back. More than one-third of respondents (36.1%) blamed DPS administrators, while 27.8%
Local Government
Starting March 1, City of Durham water customers can expect altered taste and scent of tap water while the Department of Water Management performs its annual water treatment disinfection changeover process. It lasts through April 15. The changeover, required by federal and state regulations, isn’t expected to affect safety
News
The school bus mechanics for Durham Public Schools plan to be back at work Tuesday, allowing transportation to resume for students throughout the county. But it’s worth keeping in mind that a wind advisory is in effect from 3 a.m. until noon on Tuesday, with potential gusts of
![[FLASH POLL] Who Deserves the Most Blame for DPS Disruptions?](/content/images/size/w600/wordpress/2024/01/IMG_6832.jpg)
News
EDITOR’S NOTE: This poll is now closed. Readers with at least the free Neighbor-level subscriber rank can check out the flash poll results in this post. While we wait to find out whether schools will be closed again on Tuesday, I’m curious to gauge where readers stand when
News
Durham Public Schools will close Monday, as feared, due to a reported call-out of school transportation mechanics. Although athletics and other extracurricular activities are expected to continue as planned, the district’s afterschool care programs won’t be available. District employees – including bus drivers – are asked to show up for
News
As Thursday’s Board of Education meeting started, one sensed a community – teachers, staff, parents, and the politicians sitting on the board – ready to move on and start rebuilding after weeks of turmoil. Superintendent Pascal Mubenga and former Chief Financial Officer Paul LeSieur were gone after apparently bungling the reconfiguration
News
Durham Public Schools families on Friday evening received word that district schools may be closed once again on Monday. Schools were closed Friday after administrators said bus mechanics called out from work, making it impossible to inspect and clear buses for transportation. “The reason school was canceled today and may
News
Good news (for many): Durham Public Schools classified workers keep their higher paychecks for at least one more month. Bad news (for some): The Board of Education tabled further discussion about the future of those checks until Feb. 22. Good news (for most): DPS announced an interim superintendent to take
![[SOUTHPOINT SPOTLIGHT] Shining On: Succotash Southern & Creole Kitchen](/content/images/size/w600/wordpress/2024/02/succotash.jpg)
Dining
Occasionally, Southpoint Access will showcase local businesses that serve customers in South Durham. This installment features Succotash Southern & Creole Kitchen, 3219 Chapel Hill Rd., with questions answered by Susan Head. What inspired you to open a restaurant in Durham and how does the local culture influence your establishment? Susan
News
Superintendent Pascal Mubenga has resigned after seven years with Durham Public Schools, in the wake of turmoil spawned by confusion and frustration over classified worker pay. Bettina Umstead, chair of the Board of Education, announced Mubenga’s resignation after a closed-door special meeting. Deputy Superintendent Nicholas King is assuming the