Durham Schools Review Budget, Recognize Trans Visibility Day

The board recognized Durham's promising AIG programs and celebrated student victories in culinary and basketball competitions. Discussions included the Transgender Day of Visibility resolution, budget priorities, and community concerns about athletic facilities and program cuts. 24mins

Awards & Recognitions Budget Education
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Original Meeting

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Durham Public Schools Board of Education on YouTube
Thursday, March 27th, 2025
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Video Notes

#DPSCommunity | DPS Board of Education Monthly Meeting | 3/27/25

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Alex Rosen
Durham, North Carolina
As the Executive Director of See Gov, I focus on how to best achieve our mission of expanding thoughtful and consistent participation in democracy. I develop See Gov's technology, work to grow our impact, and find ways to sustain our nonprofit. I live in Durham, NC and make highlight reels for Durham and other See Gov pilot communities.
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In This Video
  • Sneha Shah Coltrane recognized the Office of Advanced Academics as one of North Carolina's promising districts. 
  • Senior Director Shaw Coltrane recognized Durham Public Schools as one of 13 AIG promising districts in North Carolina, highlighting their sustained efforts in aligning mindsets, policies, and practices over the last 10 to 15 years. 
  • The Northern high schools Knights of Culinary team won first place in the 2025 North Carolina Junior Chef Competition and will compete in the Southeast Junior Chef Competition in Kentucky. 
  • The Southern School of Energy and Sustainability Spartans basketball team reached the North Carolina 3A Men's Basketball State championship for the first time since 1959, demonstrating dedication and sportsmanship despite a narrow overtime loss. 
  • The Durham Early College of Health Sciences will enroll its first class in August, with students and families recently attending a signing day, supported by a partnership with Duke Health, Durham Tech, and a $29.5 million Bloomberg philanthropic grant. 
  • The Durham Public Schools Foundation launched a campaign to raise funds to help up to 50 new bus drivers secure their commercial driver's licenses, already raising over $12,000. 
  • Superintendent Lewis emphasized the importance of worker voice in district decision-making and committed to developing a policy for inclusive dialogue with the President of DAE. 
  • Members of the Northern High School community addressed the board about unresolved athletic facility issues, including inadequate field sizes and locker room facilities, and requested a town hall meeting to discuss these concerns. 
  • Alyssa Platt urged the board to reconsider the proposed elimination of Club Blvd's dance program, emphasizing its cultural significance and benefits to students. 
  • Alix Adrian, representing Rainbow Collective for Change, urged the board to recognize the Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31st, 2025, amidst discriminatory policies affecting transgender and gender nonconforming individuals. 
  • Christie Clem, a physical therapist and DAE member, criticized the lack of worker input in district decision-making and highlighted issues with classified pay and insufficient services for students with federally mandated needs. 
  • Stormie Daie urged the Durham Public Schools Board of Education to remember the struggles faced by trans children and to ensure their recognition and safety within the school system. 
  • The Durham Public Schools Board of Education adopted a resolution recognizing March 31st, 2025 as Transgender Day of Visibility, affirming their commitment to inclusivity and support for transgender and gender nonconforming individuals. 
  • The Durham Public Schools Board of Education unanimously passed the resolution recognizing March 31st, 2025 as Transgender Day of Visibility, affirming their support for transgender students and the Rainbow Collective for Change. 
  • Superintendent Lewis introduced the recommended budget for the 25-26 school year, incorporating community feedback from online forums and listening sessions. 
  • Jeremy Teetor noted an increase in student enrollment beyond expectations, which positively impacts funding and reflects growing preference for Durham Public Schools. 
  • CFO Teetor highlighted the importance of monitoring teacher supplements to remain competitive, noting the pressure from neighboring top-ranked districts. 
  • The budget presentation highlighted significant investments in instructional services and capital outlay, and major pass-through to charter schools. 
  • CFO Teetor discussed the anticipated 3% raise from the state, noting limited revenue projections and a cautious governor's budget. 
  • Jeremy Teetor highlighted that any new local revenue must be shared with charter schools, with student enrollment in Durham County contributing up to 21% to charters. 
  • CFO Teetor discussed what it would take to go up a rank on teach supplements. 
  • A proposal was made to include a $200 monthly classified supplement for bus drivers to ensure consistent income during inclement weather, requiring an investment of over $377,000. 
  • CFO Teetor discussed the financial shortfall in the district's Master's pay program and proposed including social workers, requiring an additional investment of $79,838 next year. 
  • A speaker discussed the history of local appropriations, highlighting a request for a $16 million increase from the county for expenses and $8 million in capital outlay. 
  • Board Member Beyer expressed concern about optimistic projections amid uncertain federal funding and state tax policies, emphasizing the need for prioritizing student impact with an equity focus. 
  • Chair Rogers discussed ongoing efforts to finalize a meet and confer policy with the Durham Association of Educators, highlighting recent compromises and the intention to present a draft proposal to the board soon. 
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