Partnering with and improving the Durham community have been among the University's long-standing goals for many years, but in 2008 Duke may collaborate with local institutions in a more visible way.
The Durham City Council, Durham County Board of Commissioners and Durham Board of Education have drafted a joint memorandum of understanding on plans for a proposed vocational school in the former Holton Middle School building in northeast Durham.
"What we propose to do at Holton is a step toward fulfilling this mission and meeting a dire need in the community," said Durham City Council member Howard Clement.
Clement added that the plans for the school include-in addition to the vocational educational facility-a recreational facility and a health facility created with support from Duke University Medical Center.
Durham Mayor Bill Bell approached Duke University Health System about putting a health facility in the building, and DUMC is still working with City Manager Patrick Baker to discuss specific details of the project, said MaryAnn Black, associate vice-president for community affairs for the office of community relations at the medical center.
Black added that the program will provide a number of advantages, including bringing health care closer to the community and furthering the comprehensive program that the city is trying to put in place for northeast Durham.
The vocational school will offer opportunities for students who wish to develop skills in specific trades rather than going to college.
"When these kids reach a certain age they realize that their needs are not being met, and they drop out," Clement said.
The new vocational school will be the first in northeast Durham.
"So many of these students need vocational training, and the proximity of this school will allow us to address many of the needs in the area," City Council member Mike Woodard said.
Duke Community Health, a division of DUMC, has sponsored similar health centers in the past. The Lyon Park Clinic is housed in the Community Family and Recreation Center, and the Walltown Neighborhood Clinic is located in a renovated house in Durham.
The City Council, County Board of Commissioners and Board of Education are currently discussing plans and architectural renderings before construction and renovation begin.
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