April 26, 2007 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     

CONTACT: Hank Hurd, Associate Superintendent
Administrative Services, 560-2504

Northern administrator appointed to lead Performance Learning Center

DURHAM—Danny Gilfort, Assistant Principal of Northern High School, has been named Principal of the Durham Performance Learning Center, which will open in August 2007.

The Performance Learning Center (PLC) will open in partnership with Communities in Schools of Durham.  It will be located in the newly renovated lower level of Northgate Mall. The PLC will offer students the opportunity for online learning with internships and job shadowing. Approximately 100 students will be selected to enroll in the school, which will also feature a flexible schedule, including a year-round component.

Students enrolled at PLC will work at their own pace by completing courses via the NC Virtual High School.  Projects and group work also are a part of the coursework, with plans for each student to take part in an internship, dual college enrollment, job shadowing or another type of partnership.

Gilfort has been assistant principal at Northern since 2002.  Before that he was an assistant principal at Hillside High School for a year.  He previously worked as a dropout prevention counselor for two years.  Before coming to Durham Public Schools he worked as a family therapist at the University of Miami and as a group therapist at Temple University.

“My concentrated desire has been to have a positive impact on the students in our system, and this position affords me that opportunity,” said Gilfort. “I am elated that the Durham Performance Learning Center has come to fruition and I look forward to becoming a part of such a significant achievement for Durham Public Schools.”

Gilfort holds a master’s degree of education in school counseling and psychology from Temple University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Kent State University.

“Danny Gilfort is an energetic and enthusiastic educator who has a true gift for working with high school students and in committing to preparing them all for successful futures,” said Superintendent Carl Harris. “The Performance Learning Center is tailor-made for Danny, with his broad experience in counseling and administration.  We look forward to seeing the great things that can happen at this exciting new school under his strong leadership.” 

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