UNDERSTANDING THE ASSIGNMENT

Transition coordinator, implementation team assist families and schools with upcoming school assignment changes

n July 1, 2023, Joy Bingham walked into Durham Public Schools’ central services building filled with excitement and purpose to support DPS families through an important upcoming transition – the new student assignment plan. As a parent and former DPS high school administrator, she knew firsthand the care, time, and attention needed to assist families and schools.

“I worked with the student assignment office when I was an assistant principal, so I knew the work involved behind the scenes,” says Bigham. “Being a school administrator gave me insight into family concerns related to supporting students through transitions.”

Bingham stepped into this new role right on time.

Next school year, DPS will launch its student assignment plan for elementary students across the county. Beginning in July 2024, new school boundaries will go into effect along with enhanced programming at all elementary schools and increased access to application programs – all close to home for families and supported by shorter bus routes.

Students currently in grades K-2 may be assigned to a new school as part of the plan. Students who will be in grades 4 and 5 next year will be allowed to stay at their current school. There are ways to keep siblings in the same school together.

“The possibilities that exist for our students and families are exciting,” Bingham says. “We will be able to better serve our students and families while providing exceptional educational programs and learning opportunities.”

Change and transition can be challenging. The district fully recognizes this and has aligned resources for families who will be assigned to a new school as part of the plan. Bingham and several other administrators across the district serve on an interdepartmental implementation team which directly supports schools and families navigating the transition.

“DPS is responding to the needs of our students, our families, and our community through the implementation of this plan and the wraparound support that is being provided will help ease fears and answer questions,” Bingham says.

The team coordinates all implementation logistics from staff professional development and training to engagement and communication with stakeholders. DPS has even provided guidance for schools and families to support the social-emotional needs of students during the transition.

Families began hearing from the district and schools about the transition process in October. That outreach has included a mailed letter to each family with the new school assignment, calls to families to discuss their new zoned school and application options, as well as a series of informational meetings for families to learn more and to meet the principal of their new school.

Additionally, DPS hosted its annual Showcase of Schools in November and schools will host families for tours through January. Schools will hold welcome events for families in the spring.

As school leaders and staff prepare to welcome new families, there’s excitement about what this means for the district.

“This plan will leverage the resources of our district and make our schools more equitable,” says Asia Cunningham, principal of Pearsontown Elementary School. “This will strengthen student achievement across the district and ensure that Durham’s schools look like the Durham community. The more families we serve, the more we will grow.”

What you need to know about the Elementary Student Assignment Plan

• Nothing changes now. The plan does not go into effect until the 2024-25 school year (next year) for elementary students.

• The district will be arranged into five regions. Students will be assigned to a school within the region in which they live. Each region includes application schools in which families may apply if they would like a year-round, Montessori, International Baccalaureate or Dual Language Immersion program.

• Letters were mailed to families in October with students’ newly assigned schools. If you did not receive a letter, contact the Office of Student Assignment.

• Families will also receive calls from their current school and their newly assigned school with transition information.

• All elementary schools will offer enhanced arts, integrated daily STEM instruction, and global language learning.

• The lottery for application schools (yearround, Montessori, Dual Language Immersion, and International Baccalaureate) runs from Jan. 8, 2024 to Feb. 9, 2024.

• Visit dpsnc.net/possibilities for the latest information about the plan.

• Changes for middle schools and high schools do not begin until the 2025-26 school year.