DPSF’s response to the indictment of three DPS administrators

Durham, we’ve worked alongside you since 2018. We’ve seen how deeply you hold our public schools as places of hope, trust, and possibility—and how fiercely you show up when students need protection.

In response to DPS’s statements and ongoing local reporting about the indictment of three DPS administrators, we are feeling deeply heartbroken. No student should ever feel unsafe at school—ever. Especially in spaces where they should be cared for and protected.

We also recognize how heavy this moment is for many educators and school staff who care deeply about students and are navigating a complex system currently under intense scrutiny. As legal and personnel processes continue, we are grounding our response in what must remain true: student safety, dignity, and family trust must be protected.

We will remain a critical friend to DPS, urging a thorough and transparent review of this matter, along with clear accountability through appropriate processes and corrective steps to ensure stronger safeguards are in place for students moving forward. Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis shared Thursday evening with the DPS community steps currently being taken, including updating internal systems and requiring additional training and retraining for staff related to student safety, reporting requirements, and appropriate conduct. The DPS Foundation acknowledges these attempts as starting points in the work ahead.

For DPS families of exceptional children, resources are available through Alliance for Equitable Disability Inclusion in Education (AED in ED), a trusted partner of the Durham Public Schools Foundation. For our community at large, if you’re wondering what to do right now:

• Show up and speak out at a DPS school board meeting. Even emails and phone calls help—every voice matters.

• Stay connected to your local public school community and ask questions about the safeguards in place to protect students.

• Support the work that helps schools build safer, more equitable environments for students—through resources, advocacy, and community partnership.

  
  

Durham, no one shows up and cares for community quite like you do. That spirit is exactly what students will need in the days ahead—and our team will be right there with you.

In solidarity,

Brianna Kennedy

Interim Executive Director, DPS Foundation