photo of Joy with her two children

 ​I’m Joy Harrell.

Running for the DPS Board of Education is a natural extension of my work with youth and families in Durham. We have to believe in our collective power to create the schools that all of our youth deserve.

Joy’s Vision for DPS

The systems change work required to transform our schools into safer spaces for youth of all ethnicities, races, genders, and abilities requires the belief that we can shift that narrative to one where Durham Public Schools become a place of joyful educational experiences that respects, nourishes, cares for and protects the hopes and dreams of each student at every grade level throughout the Durham Public School system.

  • Our students and staff are brilliant and thrive in spaces where they feel safe to be authentically themselves. Our families send their very best children to our schools with the faith and trust that they will be handled with care in discerning and safe learning spaces. If we want all students to experience their greatest potential, we must do what it will take to nurture and protect the learning environments they require to thrive, be healthy, and safe.

  • DPS must build and support a spirit of interdependence throughout the district in order to provide excellent, equitable, inclusive, and culturally relevant teaching and learning.

  • Investing in student learning means investing in our teachers and providing the quality tools and resources necessary for highly effective teaching and learning.