DPS Board Approves Budget and Central Office Cuts

The board unanimously approved the Superintendent's recommended budget, which includes a $700 increase to the local teacher supplement and maintains key staffing levels for counselors and assistant principals. To address a significant funding shortfall, the board also voted to eliminate 27 classified central office positions, 11 of which are currently unfilled. 32mins

Budget Staff
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Original Meeting

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Durham Public Schools Board of Education on YouTube
Thursday, April 24th, 2025
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Video Notes

#DPSCommunity | DPS Board of Education Monthly Meeting | 4/24/25

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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
  • Mika Hunter Twietmeyer from the Durham Association of Educators described ongoing concerns with the Meet and Confer policy process, invited district administration to a public meeting in May, and called for more collaborative finalization of the policy. 
  • A speaker described personal and community challenges faced by lactating teachers in Durham Public Schools and expressed gratitude for the district's new proclamation supporting lactating teachers, students, and parents. 
  • Mr. Teetor explained that the current budget accurately reflected all district positions and addressed previous omissions, highlighted improvements in the child nutrition program's financial stability, and emphasized transparency in the budgeting process. 
  • Mr. Teetor explained that the district maintained its current K-3 staffing allotments, which are closely regulated by state law, and noted that a small cushion was included to accommodate unexpected enrollment changes. 
  • Mr. Teetor outlined recommended staffing ratios for grades 4-12, explained adjustments, and discussed the decision to maintain two media coordinators at certain high schools after administrators presented strong business cases. 
  • Mr. Teetor reviewed assistant principal staffing formulas, explained that no changes were proposed for current allocations, and suggested that future school consolidations could improve efficiency and staffing levels. 
  • Mr. Teetor explained that counselor staffing ratios would remain unchanged due to student mental health needs and discussed the financial impact of a 15% set-aside reduction, emphasizing the administration's commitment to restoring funding if possible. 
  • Mr. Teetor discussed the uncertainty surrounding state budget decisions on staff compensation, explained how the district forecasted a 3% raise, and described how final state actions would impact local salary planning and budget adjustments. 
  • Board Member Umstead reflected on the budget process, expressed appreciation for community engagement, highlighted the need for earlier input and multi-year planning, and supported maintaining current staffing levels for counselors and assistant principals. 
  • Vice Chair Carda-Auten asked about the financial impact of increasing the local teacher supplement and whether the proposed change would help staff salaries remain competitive with neighboring districts. 
  • Mr. Teetor explained that the proposed increase to the local teacher supplement would raise annual pay by $700 and could move the district from third to second place in average supplement among neighboring districts, assuming other districts do not make changes. 
  • Board Member Beyer cautioned against creating unrealistic expectations by requesting late budget studies and emphasized that the board would be voting on a finalized budget amount for the current cycle. 
  • Vice Chair Carda-Auten explained that while the current budget is set, future adjustments may be necessary based on county and state funding, and that cost analyses could inform both upcoming decisions and planning for the next budget year. 
  • The board unanimously approved the Superintendent's recommended budget for 2025-2026 and discussed the next steps for submitting the request to the county manager and commissioners. 
  • Chief Finance Officer Teetor explained that the Superintendent recommended eliminating 27 classified central office positions due to reduced funding and district reorganization. 
  • Chief Finance Officer Teetor explained that the district faced a significant budget shortfall and, with the expiration of federal ESSER funds and rising costs, must reduce staffing and reorganize to address ongoing funding challenges. 
  • Chief Finance Officer Teetor explained that central office staffing reductions were prioritized to avoid classroom impacts and outlined the timeline and support for notifying affected staff about other job opportunities in the district. 
  • Chief Finance Officer Teetor confirmed that 11 of the 27 classified central office positions recommended for elimination were currently vacant. 
  • The board unanimously approved the motion following a call for discussion and a vote. 
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