Student Safety, Immigration Policy, and Staff Shortages

The board hears urgent calls from teachers, parents, and students to strengthen protections for immigrant families, clarify law enforcement protocols, and address staff shortages in therapy services. Concerns about attendance barriers and fair wages for classified employees are also raised. 20mins

Education
Was this helpful?

Original Meeting

Thursday, September 11th, 2025
8839.0
#DPSCommunity | DPS Board of Education Monthly Work Session | 9/11/25
Full Meeting on YouTube
Video Notes

#DPSCommunity | DPS Board of Education Monthly Work Session | 9/11/25

avatar
Wes Platt
Durham, NC
Neighborhood news guy for Southpoint Access in Durham.
View full bio
In This Video
  • A teacher and community member urged the board to revise District Policy 5120 to strengthen protections for students' due process rights and clarify protocols regarding law enforcement activities in schools.
  • A parent and member of School Parents for Immigrant Defense urged the board to adopt a new Private Zones policy and protocol to clarify procedures for school staff during immigration enforcement activities and to alleviate fears among students and families.
  • A teacher and parent described declining enrollment and attendance among multilingual and refugee students due to fears related to immigration enforcement, and called for clear protocols and training to support affected families.
  • A high school student shared a personal story about losing a friend whose family left the country due to safety concerns, and urged the board to train school staff on how to support students affected by immigration enforcement and discrimination.
  • A parent, through a letter read aloud, urged the board to review Policy 5120, provide clear communication and training on policy changes, and ensure that students, teachers, and parents - especially those from immigrant and refugee families - feel safe and informed.
  • A parent urged the board to reconsider family responsibility zones at low-income elementary schools, citing safety and transportation barriers that make daily attendance difficult for many families.
  • A physical therapist described high turnover among occupational and physical therapy staff due to uncompetitive pay and urged the board to implement fair, competitive wages to retain classified employees.
Your Governments
Your governments list is empty.
Manage Your List
More from this government
Phone Policy Advances, Seven Schools Shed ‘Low-Performing’ Label
Nov 6, 2025
A New Policy Committee and Much Public Comment
Sep 25, 2025
New School Year Updates on Teacher Shortages, Bus Improvements, and Policy Changes
Aug 28, 2025
Durham Public Schools Board of Education
Nearby governments
Durham City Council
Durham County Board of Commissioners
Chapel Hill Town Council
Orange County Board of Commissioners
Hillsborough Board of Commissioners
Orange County Board of Education
Carrboro Town Council
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education
Wake County Public School System Board of Education
Pittsboro Board of Commissioners
Chatham County Board of Commissioners
Graham City Council
Alamance-Burlington School System Board of Education
Alamance County Board of Commissioners
Mebane City Council
Greensboro City Council
Guilford County Schools Board of Education
Guilford County Board of Commissioners
High Point City Council
Moore County Schools Board of Education
Southern Pines Town Council
Aberdeen Town Board
Moore County Board of Commissioners
Pinehurst Village Council
Spring Lake Board of Commissioners