Starting Monday morning, Dr. Anthony Lewis will lead the Durham Public School district for the next four years.
ABC11 sat down with Dr. Lewis, who has more than two decades of experience in education, says coming to Durham brings him closer to his family. He is happy to be in the south and happy to serve the Durham community.
For the last six years, Dr. Lewis served as superintendent of Lawrence Public Schools in Kansas. He was described as caring, and compassionate and to have a high expectation for student scholars.
Lewis described some of his priorities, including students success, creating a culture of community and support staff.
SEE ALSO | DPS' new superintendent lays out top priorities, vision: 'I'm ready to get to work'
DPS' new superintendent lays out top priorities
This change in leadership comes after the district faced a months-long salary saga that started earlier this year; a financial error prompted multiple sickouts and protests calling for better pay.
Dr. Lewis shared he will address financial stability and look at pay during his first 100 days. One of his goals is to create an environment where educators thrive -- same for Durham students and parents.
"We have your back; we have your kids best interest in mind," he said. "Every decision that we make as adults must be centered around students. Often times in school districts, decisions are made for the benefit of adults. That's not the case here. We will make decisions for the benefit of students. And secondly, I will tell our parents whether we want you to be involved. We need you to be involved."
ABC11's Jamiese Price asked Dr. Lewis if he has met with the Durham Association of Educators. He said not yet.
In his previous roles, Dr. Lewis held monthly meetings with leaders of teacher associations to make sure there was an open line of communication. He said he listened and acted on their concerns.
RELATED | Durham Public Schools Superintendent Pascal Mubenga resigns amid ongoing pay dispute