Dr. Anthony S. Lewis is Superintendent of Durham Public Schools, bringing more than two decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and district leader. Throughout his career, he has led efforts to strengthen academic outcomes, develop effective systems, and create pathways for students to thrive.

Before joining Durham Public Schools in 2024, Dr. Lewis served as Superintendent of Lawrence Public Schools in Kansas, where he led the district’s work to strengthen graduation outcomes, expand college and career readiness, and establish new district policies and practices to support students and educators. He previously held leadership roles in the Kansas City, Missouri School District, including Principal, Director of Elementary Schools, and Assistant Superintendent, helping guide the district to full accreditation following nearly three decades without accreditation.

Dr. Lewis began his career as a Special Education teacher in Montgomery, Alabama, later serving as an assistant principal and principal. As a school leader, he helped transform a high-poverty elementary school from the brink of state takeover into one of Alabama’s top-performing schools.

A graduate of Alabama State University, Dr. Lewis holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Special Education and a certification in Educational Leadership. He earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia and is a graduate of the AASA Urban Superintendents Academy in partnership with Howard University, as well as the Leadership Triangle Executive Goodmon Fellows program.

Dr. Lewis brings to The Forum a deep perspective on leading across school, district, and community contexts, with particular expertise in academic improvement, organizational leadership, and developing systems that support strong outcomes for students.