Durham Schools Dismiss Administrators Accused of Obstructing Child Abuse Probe

District terminates deputy superintendent and two others indicted in 2024 investigation.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 11:10pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken chair leg, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the investigation into alleged child abuse at a Durham school.The dismissal of three Durham school administrators accused of obstructing a child abuse investigation exposes the district's commitment to transparency and accountability.Durham Today

Durham Public Schools has dismissed three administrators who were accused of obstructing a child abuse investigation in 2024. Tanya Janique Giovanni, the deputy superintendent, was fired on March 6 following her indictment on felony charges. The other two administrators, Tounya Clayton Wright and Ayesha Hunter, had previously resigned and been fired, respectively.

Why it matters

The dismissals come after the district was notified in November 2024 about a picture showing an autistic 6-year-old student tied to a chair with rope at Eno Valley Elementary School. The three administrators are accused of giving false statements and/or withholding evidence during the police investigation.

The details

According to court records, Giovanni is facing five counts of felony obstruction of justice, while Hunter is facing six counts of felony obstruction and two counts of perjury. Wright is facing three counts of felony obstruction and one count of perjury. All three are scheduled to appear in Durham County court on April 8.

  • The incident at Eno Valley Elementary School was reported to Durham Police in November 2024.
  • Tounya Clayton Wright resigned on January 26, 2026.
  • Ayesha Hunter was fired on February 9, 2026.
  • Tanya Janique Giovanni was dismissed on March 6, 2026, following her indictment in January.

The players

Tanya Janique Giovanni

The former deputy superintendent of Administrative, Legal, and Compliance Services at Durham Public Schools, who was dismissed following her indictment on felony charges related to the child abuse investigation.

Tounya Clayton Wright

The former principal of Eno Valley Elementary School, who resigned on January 26, 2026.

Ayesha Hunter

The former senior executive Director of Employee Relations at Durham Public Schools, who was fired on February 9, 2026.

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What’s next

All three former administrators are scheduled to appear in Durham County court on April 8 to face the charges against them.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in school districts when it comes to investigating and addressing allegations of child abuse. The dismissals of these administrators send a strong message that obstructing such investigations will not be tolerated.