Durham School Board discusses improvements for struggling students

District officials say only 29.7 percent of black males in the fourth grade through the eighth grade are reading proficient in Durham Public Schools, and less than 75 percent graduate on time.

“We need to see African American boys and young men for who they are and what they need, and we need to accept and correct the ways in which we have failed them,” said Durham Schools Superintendent Bert l’Homme.

School board members passed a resolution in support of African American student, which points to inequalities and gaps in academic achievement.

“That white supremacy, anti-black racism and economic inequality deeply affect the lives and educational success of our black students,” Minnie Forte-Brown said.

However, L’Homme said more issues are at hand.

“Many white and affluent families leave us for charter and private schools, or move to other counties,” he said.

The resolution calls for initiatives to improve educational results of black male students and better monitor their progress.

“I hope this resolution is more than just paper,” Paul Scott said.