Dr. Tounya Wright, the principal of Eno Valley Elementary School in Durham, NC, has resigned amid an ongoing internal investigation tied to the district’s alleged response to a November 2024 child abuse incident. Wright, along with two other Durham Public Schools (DPS) administrators, was indicted last Tuesday on felony charges related to obstruction of justice and perjury.
Authorities say the case involves an educator who allegedly tied a 6-year-old girl with autism to a chair using a rope. Prosecutors claim key information and evidence may have been withheld or misrepresented, potentially hindering the investigation.
According to ABC11, Wright claimed she received an anonymous photo of the alleged incident on Nov. 22, 2024, and reported it to HR that same day. However, staff members reportedly dispute that timeline, saying Wright was aware of the incident earlier and was texted photos on Nov. 21. Wright is charged with 3 counts of felony obstruction of justice and 1 count of perjury.
Dr. Tanya Giovanni, the Deputy Superintendent of Administrative, Legal and Compliance Services, is charged with 5 counts of felony obstruction of justice and is accused of failing to produce requested evidence in response to a search warrant and court orders.
L-R: Dr. Tounya Wright, Ayesha Hunter, and Dr. Tanya Giovanni; Courtesy of Durham Public Schools, Southpoint Access, and The Org
Ayesha Hunter, Senior Executive Director of Employee Relations, is accused of withholding witness statements and interview notes, and falsely testifying that the principal reported the abuse the same day she learned of it. Hunter is charged with 6 counts of felony obstruction of justice and 2 counts of perjury.
Parents are now demanding accountability and stronger protections for special needs students, as DPS Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis says the district is reviewing policies, retraining staff, and strengthening how legal documents and investigations are handled.
