Longtime educator to retire from post
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on August 31, 2015 1:46 PM
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Debbie Durham
A veteran educator and director at Wayne County Public Schools' central office is retiring today.
Debbie Durham, director of human resources, reportedly told her staff earlier in the month that she would be leaving her job -- and officials made it public late last week.
The 42-year veteran in the school district became lead teacher for human resources in 2000. She was named director of human resources, Title II and physical education and health in 2007.
Her most recent role had her working more closely with educators, especially those new to the profession, and whom she affectionately called her "babies."
"I have had many 'babies' over the years to include students, beginning teachers and teaching and learning coaches," she said. "Each has blessed my life enormously and in ways they will never know. As I often said to them, once my baby, always my baby."
Mrs. Durham also worked with health and physical education teachers and oversaw the professional development and beginning teachers programs. She helped write the district's Title II budget and planned and assisted schools with the online evaluation program.
A Fremont native, she graduated from Charles B. Aycock High School in 1970. She earned both a bachelor's degree in intermediate education and a master's degree in school administration from East Carolina University. She also holds an academically gifted certification, a curriculum and instruction specialist certification and is certified in all middle grades areas. In 2003-04, she was named Wayne County Association of Education Office Professionals Administrator of the Year.
She began her career in education in 1974 as a P.E./health teacher at Brogden Junior High School. A year later, she was assigned to Norwayne Junior High, where she spent the next 27 years teaching all middle grades areas and drama.
"I have had so many wonderful memories of Wayne County Public Schools and all of the staff whom I worked with, both as a teacher and a central office administrator," she said. "One of the most difficult adjustments leaving Norwayne Middle School 15 years ago was leaving my students.
"I appreciate (former superintendent) Dr. (Steve) Taylor's confidence in hiring me at the central office to provide support to teachers, as I learned very quickly that I had a greater opportunity to impact students districtwide through the quality of teaching they received."
Dr. Mike Dunsmore, WCPS superintendent since July, praised Mrs. Durham for her service and efforts in supporting educators and staff in the district, and wished her well in her retirement.
A reception was planned for this afternoon at central office to allow staff and school administrators the opportunity to honor Mrs. Durham for her dedicated service, officials said.