Highlights from Durham Public Schools Board of Education

The board approved a new agreement with the Sheriff's Office for school resource officers, discussed the shift toward restorative practices in student discipline, and heard a call for stronger allergy support in schools. Updates also included student achievements, summer meal programs, and retroactive pay for social workers and nurses.

The board narrowly passed changes to its meet and confer policy after a tense debate over legal risks, trust, and process, with concerns about third-party certification and representation thresholds taking center stage. The meeting also covered a $1 billion facilities needs assessment, tough budget choices, and celebrated student and teacher achievements.

The board unanimously adopted the superintendent's recommended budget and approved a classified reduction in force, citing a major budget shortfall and the end of some federal funding. Leaders emphasized efforts to avoid cuts to academic positions and to place affected staff in existing vacancies.

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.