Durham Public Schools Names New Superintendent

Dr. Anthony Lewis, the first Black superintendent of Lawrence Public Schools in Kansas, is set to become the next superintendent of Durham Public Schools.

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

5 Facts About Dr. Anthony Lewis

• First Black superintendent of Lawrence Public Schools in Kansas.
• Graduate of Alabama State University.
• Holds a Ph.D.
• Married with six children.
• Known for his commitment to diversity and equity in education.

Lewis was among four finalists in the search to replace Dr. Pascal Mubenga, who resigned earlier this year after DPS suffered a public relations storm following the mishandling of classified worker pay raises. He was one of more than 100 applicants for the job. He made it through interviews, including a session with a special community panel appointed by the Board of Education.

“The Board of Education is proud of the outcome of this work,” said Bettina Umstead, board chair. “We took extra measures to ensure that the characteristics of our next superintendent were chosen by the people they would serve. As a board, we were certain that our newly appointed leader would need to bring empirical evidence of having facilitated student achievement, a commitment to equity and diversity, and a management sense that would take this district from good to great. Dr. Lewis’s proven track record and experience met the high standards we and the community hold for this district’s performance.”

Lewis, an educator for the past 22 years, became superintendent of Lawrence Public Schools – seventh largest school district in Kansas – in 2018. During his time in Lawrence, he facilitated the development and implementation of that district’s first equity policy, which led to the highest increase in 16 years in their graduation rate. The district also closed the achievement gap between white and Black students.

“I’m in this work to improve outcomes for all students,” Lewis said.

The National School Public Relations Association recognized him as a Superintendent to Watch in September 2020, acknowledging his dynamic and fast-paced leadership, along with effective communication and innovative use of technology to engage and inform school communities.

He expressed confidence that he can work with the board to guide the district’s students and staffs toward greatness: “Our goal will be to create an environment where every student not only develops a love for learning and intellectual curiosity, but also envisions a future filled with limitless opportunities. This ultimately ensures that Durham Public Schools is the premiere school district in the country.”

Lewis got his start as a high school special-education teacher in Montgomery, Ala. Eventually, he became principal of a low-performing elementary school that he took to high performance.

In Kansas, Gov. Laura Kelly appointed him to the African American Affairs Commission and the Commission on Racial Equity and Justice.

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