Highlights about Technology

The Durham County Board of Commissioners creates a new Mangum Fire Protection Service District to fund long-uncompensated fire services and approves moving the county’s core operations from SAP to a new Oracle ERP system. The board also raises concerns about rising jail healthcare costs, Duke Energy rate proposals tied to data centers, and invites residents to support local hunger relief at an upcoming community walk.

The Durham Public Schools Board of Education hears stark testimony on mold, freezing classrooms, and unanswered questions about a reported child-restraint incident before turning to summer learning plans, one-to-one student devices, and whether a $4.6 million annual tech refresh is sustainable. Board members and staff also wrestle with shrinking enrollment, rising costs, charter growth, and how to boost classified pay while keeping schools repaired and students equipped to learn.

The board addresses the ongoing transportation crisis, highlighting the critical role of bus drivers and the challenges they face. Discussions also focus on the meet and confer policy, with differing views on union representation and employee inclusion. The board votes on family responsibility zones and express bus stops, aiming to improve service and end rotational coverage.

The board hears about the need for security upgrades at the detention center, funding for new body and vehicle cameras for the Sheriff's Office, and the distribution of American Rescue Plan Act funds. Commissioner Jacobs highlights urgent community needs, and new appointments to county boards and commissions are announced.