Durant Independent School District
District Administration
Our Superintendent
Meet Dr. Terry James
A special welcome from Dr. James
Welcome to the Durant Independent School District's web page. Whether you are a community member, someone considering a move here, or are just surfing, I hope you will take the time to review our district and our programs by viewing our various pages. Each site has a web page unique to its own personality, and I invite you to review each site. In these pages you will have the opportunity to meet our dedicated school board members, our talented staff, and learn about our district.
If you could personally visit Durant and meet community members and staff, you would find a tremendous amount of pride regarding this district. The following are just a few of our accomplishments:
- Nearly 70% of our classroom instructors hold a Master's or above degree.
- Based on Spring 2007 state testing, 93% of our students met state standards in third grade reading and 87% met state standards in math. At the 4th grade level, 91% of students met state standards in reading and 89% met state standards in math. In all state tested areas, district students are consistently scoring above state averages. In addition, 55% of students taking the advanced placement exams scored high enough to receive college credit.
- The Durant High School Band consistently earns superior ratings, having won Sweepstakes agian in 2006-2007.
- The vocal music program is recognized as one of the best in the state.
- Our district offers a comprehensive athletic program that allows both male and female students to develop their talents.
- Our character education program, Character Counts, reinforces important personal characteristics, such as responsibility, respect and fairness.
- Out of over 1800 school sites in the state of Oklahoma, Northwest Heights Elementary had the 23rd highest Academic Performance.
- Robert E. Lee Elementary was one of 19 Title 1 schools in Oklahoma to receive the Academic Achievement recgonition.
- Durant's bus fleet was named one of the 10 outstanding bus fleets in America by Bus Fleet magazine
This community and school district are truly unique. There is an unusual degree of pride and excitement in Durant, and I invite you to join us, whether by reading through our website or making a personal visit. Please feel free to contact me personally if I can be of any service to you.
Terry James, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Contact Dr. James
You may contact Dr. James by referring to the following links:
- Contact DISD
- District Administration and the office of Dr. Terry James e-mail
About Dr. James
Dr. Terry James began his term as Superintendent of the Durant Independent School District on July 1, 2004. His career as an educator started in Indiana as an English and physical education teacher, and he coached football and track. He and his wife moved to McAlester, Oklahoma, in July, 1975, where he taught English, was an assistant principal at the middle school, coached, and from 1985-2004 was Assistant Superintendent. He spent one year at Southern Arkansas University as Director of Planning and Personnel in 1984-85, and he has taught adjunct graduate courses for East Central University. "I believe in the importance of public education even more strongly now than the day I began," states Dr. James. "To be able to serve in the district and community of Durant with highly talented and effective educators, and to be a part of an extremely strong school district is a privilege."
District Administration
If you are looking for specific individuals or services in the District Administration, the following links will be helpful:
- Administrators
- Meet our District Administration personnel and principals
- District central office staff
- Meet our District central office personnel
- Directory of District services
- View a listing of our special service departments, such as: adult education, food, indian education, business, maintenance, school-to-work, public relations, technology, and transportation.