16 Jun 2010
Northwest Learning Community's Ivonne Durant Tapped for Position
DALLAS–Dallas Independent School District Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa announced late yesterday that Ivonne Durant has been selected to fill the position of Chief Academic Officer.
Durant has 40 years of experience in education, including 15 in Dallas ISD, most recently serving as the executive director of the Northwest Learning Community where she supervised 40 elementary school principals.
"Ivonne Durant is well-respected throughout the school district," said Hinojosa. "The performance of her schools is a direct result of her embracing the district's instructional model of managed instruction while earning empowerment. It will not take long for her to adjust to her new position."
Of the 40 schools in the Northwest Learning Community, 18 are expected to be named Exemplary schools and 13 are expected to be named Recognized schools when accountability ratings are released later this summer.
"I am honored and humbled to be asked to serve in this position," said Durant. "There are many, many outstanding educators in Dallas ISD and my mission as Chief Academic Officer is to continue to provide each of them with the support they need to be successful."
Durant started her career as a high school teacher in New Mexico in 1970. She has served in a variety of positions, including dean of instruction, principal and executive director of the district's multi-language enrichment program.
Durant replaces Robin Ryan, who left this week to begin his service as the superintendent for Grapevine-Colleyville ISD. She will begin her position as soon as possible.
"Dallas ISD principals and their teachers are no longer focusing on teaching to the test but rather creating academically challenging assignments that will better prepare students for college and the world of work. Dallas ISD has become an exemplar for urban schools as an effort based district that focuses on high achievement for all students."