Jim Key, Durham superintendent for high schools, who is retiring at the end of the month, was rendered nearly speechless Thursday after being presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of the most prestigious awards given by the governor of North Carolina.
“I was in shock, but not quite speechless, but that was a really unbelievable honor and I really appreciate that,” Key said later during the school board’s monthly business meeting.
Key is retiring after 30 years of service to Durham Public Schools. He’s a former principal, teacher and coach.
“One of our legendary leaders is retiring and we could not let him leave without giving him the Order of the Long Leaf Pine,” said Stacey Wilson-Norman, deputy superintendent for academic services, who surprised Key with the award.
Thursday’s meeting also marked the end of service on the school board for Nancy Cox, Omega Curtis Parker and Fredrick Davis.
A trio of new board members – Sendolo Diaminah, Mike Lee and Matt Sears – will be sworn in July 7 during the board’s organizational meeting.
Carter also thanked Interim Superintendent Hugh Osteen for serving in that role since December when former superintendent Eric Becoats resigned amid criticism of his management of school resources.
The board has hired Bert L’Homme, superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Washington, to be the next superintendent of Durham Public Schools.
