Darden-Perry Academy is a proposed tuition-free public charter school currently seeking authorization from the North Carolina State Board of Education. Proposed opening: July 2027, pending charter approval.

Meet The Board

Bobbie Grammer - Board Chair

With more than 40 years of experience in public education and charter school leadership, Bobbie provides strategic governance and oversight for the Academy. Her career includes leadership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, charter school accountability, and special education administration.

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Dr. Pamela Adams - Board Treasurer

An educational executive and charter school consultant, Dr. Adams oversees the Academy's financial stewardship, budgeting, and fiduciary accountability while bringing decades of experience in school finance and governance.

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Dr. Glennda McKeithen- Board Secretary

Dr. McKeithan is a twice-retired educator, scholar, and nonprofit leader with more than 30 years of experience. She ensures strong governance practices, regulatory compliance, and accurate board records.

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Dr. Johnnie Sexton, Au.D.

A nationally recognized educational audiologist and founder of The CARE Project, Dr. Sexton brings over four decades of expertise in pediatric audiology, early intervention, family engagement, and services for children who are deaf and hard of hearing.

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Dr. Alicia Amanda Brophy-Dick

Dr. Brophy-Dick contributes extensive experience in public school administration, special education, governance, and educational equity. Her current classroom leadership and district-level experience strengthen the Board's commitment to academic excellence.

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Dr. Virginia Gill Simmons

Dr. Simmons combines decades of educational leadership with expertise in facilities planning, real estate, nonprofit governance, and strategic planning, providing valuable guidance as the Academy prepares for future growth.

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Susan B. Reid, B.S.

Susan brings decades of experience in higher education, workforce development, community partnerships, and philanthropy. She provides leadership in community engagement, donor relations, and strategic partnerships.

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School Leadership

Dr. Rebecca Darden-Perry, Ph.D.

Founding Executive Director & School Leader
Board Director (Non-Voting Member)

Founder of Darden-Perry Academy, Dr. Darden-Perry has devoted her career to creating innovative educational opportunities for deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing students. She provides executive leadership for charter implementation, organizational development, educational programming, and long-term strategic planning.

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Collective Expertise

Our Board represents expertise in:

Charter School Governance
Public Education Leadership
School Finance & Fiscal Oversight
Educational Accountability
General Education
Special Education
Educational Audiology
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services
American Sign Language Education
Early Intervention
Facilities & Real Estate Planning
Strategic Planning
Nonprofit Leadership
Community Partnerships
Workforce Development
Educational Policy & Compliance

Collective board Expertise

Our Commitment

The Darden-Perry Academy Board of Directors is united by a shared commitment to transparency, responsible governance, educational innovation, and student success. Together, we are working to build an inclusive learning community where hearing, deaf, and hard of hearing students learn together through English and American Sign Language preparing every student for future academic, social, and civic success.