Sorry...the only thing I really know about Durham is that the town puts on some pretty good summer festivals.
I believe Durham is considered part of the "Irish Alps" of the Catskills...but that could just be local pride talking. An aquaintance had a tavern in Durham...I remarked to him that I thought it was cool to see much older couples enjoying themselves right next to bikers. He said it has always been that way - live & let live.
Hudson Valley Magazine puts out an issue, I think every year, that ranks the schools in the region. I just sent my last copy of that out to my nephew (who is thinking about looking for a teaching job in that area) - otherwise I'd check it for you. You might be able to get archived reports thru NYS govt. websites.