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State Superintendent announces director of Center for Safer Schools and superintendent of Innovative School District

The following is a press release from Superintendent Mark Johnson


State Superintendent Mark Johnson has announced the addition of two senior staff members to the leadership team at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.  Dr. James Ellerbe has been named Superintendent of the Innovative School District and Robert “Bo” Trumbo has been named the Director of the Center for Safer Schools.   

“I am pleased that we are able to add both of these individuals to our team here at DPI,” said Superintendent Johnson.  “They are uniquely qualified and bring valuable experience to these two important positions. I look forward to working with each of them in their new roles.” 

Dr. James Ellerbe comes to NC DPI from the Center for Responsive Schools (CRS) where he served as Director of Administration and Strategy. He is a veteran administrator and educator, having been a teacher and a principal in North Carolina public schools. Dr. Ellerbe previously served at NC DPI in a variety of roles including interim Director of District and Regional Support and as a District Transformation Coach. 

Bo Trumbo joins NC DPI after a distinguished career with the U.S. Secret Service. His Special Agent career included investigative responsibilities as well as protective assignments that include a 5-year tour with the Presidential Protective Division and Counter Assault Team.  Mr. Trumbo’s supervisory assignments included Assistant to the Special Agent in Charge of the agency’s Liaison Division; Assistant to the Special Agent in Charge/Deputy Campaign Coordinator within the Dignitary Protective Division and Resident Agent in Charge of the Raleigh Resident Office. 

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