Education

New Durham Schools superintendent installed Monday

Bert L'Homme was sworn in Monday as the new superintendent of Durham Public Schools.

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Bert L'Homme
DURHAM, N.C. — Bert L’Homme was sworn in Monday as the new superintendent of Durham Public Schools.

The 10 a.m. installation ceremony took place on the steps of the J.D. Clement Early College High School on the campus of North Carolina Central University.

L’Homme was instrumental in founding the early college high school while he served as the district’s assistant superintendent for instructional services. He most recently served as superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., where he oversaw 96 schools in the district and five Maryland counties.

L’Homme replaces Eric Becoats, who resigned Dec. 31 amid controversy, including an audit revealing $15 million more than the school board originally reported and the cancellation of his district-issued credit card because of questionable purchases.

"Dr. L’Homme has a reputation for integrity and trustworthiness that cannot be overstated," Durham school board chairwoman Heidi Carter said in a statement last month. "He brings expertise with curriculum and instruction and proven success with early literacy initiatives. He has a demonstrated ability to attract and inspire the best principals and teachers with his exceedingly high expectations that he balances with the support they need to grow as professionals and to make sure all children learn at high levels."

While in Washington, L’Homme achieved accreditation for all the schools in his purview, which led to improved academic performance, the Catholic school district said.

L’Homme holds a Ph.D. in in special education/public school administration and bachelors in secondary education/psychology and history from the University of Maryland, and a M.Ed in K-12 special education/emotional disturbance from American University.

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