Highlights about Education

The Durham Public Schools Board of Education hears emotional testimony from school therapists about low pay and vacancies, then receives a deep discipline update on restorative practices, suspensions, and student belonging. The board also weighs a feasibility study for the historic Old Lowe’s Grove School and reviews budget plans that prioritize classified pay, federal funding risks, and more transparent community engagement.

This week, the board celebrated student athletics and updated the community on e-learning plan changes, upcoming school preview nights, and the superintendent search.

The Springfield District 186 Board of Education reviews late bus tracking, billing credits with the contractor, and communication fixes for route changes. The board also reports strong participation in the Superintendent search with an announcement expected near the end of January, and shares student program celebrations and key dates for preview night and winter break.

The Durham County Board of Commissioners approved multiple non‑emergency ambulance franchises and clarified that providers bill patients directly, not the county. The board also unanimously backed performance‑based awards for a new headquarters by Aspida Financial Services and a Novartis manufacturing expansion, citing nearly 1,300 projected jobs and commitments to internships, school programs, and local hiring. Commissioners additionally accepted final‑year SAMHSA funds supporting EMS opioid and overdose response.